Klay Thompson penned a farewell message to the Golden State Warriors and their fans on Friday, calling his 13 seasons with the franchise “the best time of my life.”
The 34-year-old Thompson agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, ending an era in Golden State. He spent his entire career with the Warriors, leading them to four NBA championships.
“To my fellow Bay Area players, there are not enough words or images to convey how I feel about you all,” he wrote in an Instagram post on Friday. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the best times of my life. It has been an honor to wear a Dubs jersey from day one. I just wanted to play the best I could and help bring as many championships to this region as possible. But the best part isn't the rings, it's the friendships I've made that will last a lifetime.”
Thompson continued, “Instead of mourning what's over, we should rejoice that it happened.”
Thompson's relationship with the Warriors grew increasingly strained last season over contract negotiations and looming free agency. He grew increasingly unhappy as his role on the team fluctuated, even being benched in late February. The five-time All-Star averaged 17.9 points per game last season, his lowest scoring average since 2012-13.
The Warriors wished Thompson well earlier this week and said they looked forward to retiring his No. 11 jersey, while fellow Splash Brother Stephen Curry paid tribute to him in a message on Instagram.
“I will miss you,” Curry wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “Although we won't be able to finish our journey together, what we did can never be repeated. I couldn't have imagined a better run with you by my side. [Draymond Green]You changed the whole Bay Area. You changed the way the game is played. And you're the center of it all. Thank you for everything. Enjoy playing basketball and doing what you do.
“Splash Brothers, for life, buddy.”
