The news of Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors hasn’t fully registered with some, including Steph Curry.
Curry was among the NBA stars attending Team USA basketball’s training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada, in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
While in Las Vegas, Curry and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr were interviewed by ESPN’s Malika Andrews. Curry was asked to comment on Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks.
The two-time NBA MVP expressed his regret about the split. A reflective Curry also acknowledged that the move was eventually necessary for Thompson, who, Curry hinted, had gradually lost his passion for the game.
“We would have loved to maintain the core and finish out together,” said Curry. “But we obviously understand the league and things change. Having Klay head on to Dallas, it’s tough. It’s something I never imagined would be a reality, but you want him to be happy. You want him to be able to enjoy the game of basketball.”
Steph Curry on Klay Thompson’s departure from GSW: “We would have loved to maintain the core and finish out together …having Klay head on to Dallas — it’s tough. It’s something I never imagined would be a reality, but you want him to be happy.”
Curry and Thompson started dating during the 2011–2012 campaign. During their 13-year partnership, the two experienced six trips to the NBA Finals and four championships together.
Thompson produced a respectable amount last season. At 17.9 points per game on average, the 34-year-old was Golden State’s second-leading scorer.
But during the past few seasons, Thompson’s effectiveness and defense have declined. During the 2023–2024 season, Klay shot only 43.2 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from beyond the arc. The former lockdown defender’s athleticism was severely damaged in the past, making him a defensive liability as well.
Curry’s acclimatization to seeing Thompson in his new Mavericks uniform the following season will probably take some time.