Report: Klay Thompson Wanted To Leave Warriors, Asked Stephen Curry Not To Get Involved

According to NBA insider Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Klay Thompson wanted to leave the Golden State Warriors. 

One of the best shooters in NBA history, Thompson told Stephen Curry not to get involved in his free agency. 

“It’s been a layered five-year path to this divorce, splintering last season, sprouting earlier and finalizing in the last couple weeks, where —among the conversations Thompson had, league sources said — was a request of Curry not to exert his significant organizational influence and up the temperature with management to ensure Thompson’s return,” Slater wrote. “Curry’s measured voice, even if it altered the outcome, wouldn’t change the genuineness of Joe Lacob and the front office’s true desire to have Thompson back.”

Thompson agreed to a deal with the Dallas Mavericks, who now have a “Big 3” of Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

Irving recruited Thompson to the Mavericks, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. 

Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Warriors while shooting 43.2% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 92.7% from the free-throw line.

Golden State missed the playoffs after losing the 9-10 play-in game to the Sacramento Kings. 

The Warriors drafted Thompson with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Washington State. Thompson made five All-Star teams, two All-NBA teams and one All-Defensive team with the Warriors. He helped the franchise win four championships.

Thompson has career averages of 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks. He turns 35 next season.

“There was little communication between Thompson, the Warriors and Thompson’s agent, Greg Lawrence, and ultimately no offer in this cycle,” Slater wrote. “Warriors sources maintained a plan to eventually make a competitive offer in relation to his market once other business was settled. But they never had the chance. Many league sources said Thompson’s decision to depart was unofficially made weeks ago.”