Golden State Warriors coach addressed the departure of Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks after his first practice with Team USA ahead of the Olympics. Thompson, a five-time All-Star, spent 13 incredible years with the Warriors, winning four championships and forming the league's greatest shooting backcourt with Stephen Curry.
Thompson agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks as a free agent, marking the end of his tenure with the Warriors. Despite the success they shared, Thompson decided it was time for a change after a challenging season that included injuries and being pulled from the starting lineup.
Coach Kerr expressed his admiration for Thompson's resilience in overcoming career-threatening injuries and helping the team win championships. He acknowledged the difficulty Thompson faced in recent years and supported his decision to seek a new opportunity with a different team.
Kerr, drawing from his own experiences of change in the NBA, understood the inevitability of transitions in a player's career. He emphasized the enduring relationships and memories that players build during their time with a team, noting that Thompson will always be cherished by teammates, coaches, and fans.
While Kerr acknowledged that the ideal storybook ending for the Warriors' core players was unlikely, he remained optimistic that things would work out for everyone involved. He recognized the impact Thompson had on the organization and expressed gratitude for their time together.
As Thompson embarks on a new chapter with the Mavericks, Kerr wished him well and highlighted the legacy he leaves behind in Golden State. Despite the bittersweet nature of Thompson's departure, Kerr remained confident that the relationships and memories forged during their time together would endure.
