If there’s one thing we know about the Golden State Warriors, it’s that they’ve had their fair share of ups and downs. But one thing that caught many by surprise was the apparent rift between the team and Klay Thompson last summer. According to Kendra Andrews, a reporter for ESPN, the relationship between Thompson and the Warriors took a turn for the worse, leaving a sour taste in his mouth.
Thompson, known for his sharpshooting skills, has been a key piece of the Warriors’ success over the years. So when news broke that there was tension brewing between him and the team, fans were left scratching their heads. Andrews, who has close ties to the team, shed some light on the situation in a recent interview, revealing that there were disagreements over a contract extension.
There are a lot of factors for the collapse of the Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson duo in the Warriors system. But, it apparently boils down to being valued. The story of how this came crashing down started during the offseason in 2023, per Kendra Andrews of ESPN
“We have to flip back, pretty much a whole calendar year, really to last summer when the Warriors and Klay couldn’t at first come to a new agreement, get him a new deal, and avoid this entire situation. It didn’t happen. I’m told that the way last summer played out left a sour taste in Klay’s mouth. The thing that has been repeated to me over and over and over again by so many different people is Klay wants to feel respected. He wants to feel appreciated, he wants to feel valued. How last summer went down? He didn’t feel that way,” she said.
Thompson still had a shot of running it back with the Warriors this year. However, it was the organization and the rotational calls made by Steve Kerr that may have really hurt their relationship. Being placed on the bench for Brandin Podziemski after a horrendous early-season stretch also didn’t help that fact.
“So, he enters the year already a little but unhappy. He starts the year off eventually playing poorly, he gets moved to the bench. His role for the rest of the season is bopping all around. Meanwhile, the contract negotiations? Nothing moved from the summer. All the while, he had a hard time adjusting to his game and his body after those two really difficult injuries a couple of years ago. So, he’s dealing with all of this in his head. Meanwhile, he isn’t getting that respect and appreciation, that reassurance from people high up in the organization. And, that really caused a splinter between him and important people in the Warriors,” she added.
All hope is not at all lost to get him back in NBA Free Agency. Although, hurdles like the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers are clearly in their way. There would have been a chance for the Warriors to still sign him but a sign-and-trade is looking more likely.
“Could the Warriors eventually put an offer down for Klay? Yes. But, I was told earlier that by the time would it have been too late. Would he have been detached from coming to the Warriors? That’s pretty much what we’ve seen play out within these last few weeks,” Andrews concluded.
In the world of professional sports, relationships can be fragile and easily strained. The case of Klay Thompson and the Warriors is a reminder that even the strongest bonds can be tested. But with time, effort, and communication, it’s possible to mend those relationships and come back stronger than ever.
Flip to the next page to watch Kendra Andrews speak…
