The Warriors were more than fair to Klay

On The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith gives you his renowned point of view, breaking barriers beyond the world of sports, and tackling pertinent issues across entertainment, pop culture, society, business, and politics. Three times a week, you'll hear his LIVE unfiltered opinions on the day's biggest headlines as well as straight-shooting interviews with top celebrities, game-changers, and thought leaders across the societal arena.
The Stephen A. Smith Show is sure to entertain, inform, and motivate anyone who tunes in.

[@amx1820]

The media is shocked to see nobody wants to go to LAL but the fans aren't😂🤣

[@masstv_official1189]

& that’s fair 😂🤣😂🤣

[@demontewood4842]

😂 I'm mad asf ​@@masstv_official1189

[@EternalDarkseid]

the media isnt ignorant like you so please state facts not bs with how u personally feel. Media has stated over 100 times lakers are frozen because of cap space and the new agreement that makes it difficult to acquire a 3rd star...lebron took the full max now the team can only trade to get better....why would klay go to the lakers where chances are if he doesn't perform well he will get the westbrook treatment??? To much spotlight...some people just wanna hoop...

[@jjones2509]

0 for 10

[@Kobe8DaGreat24]

I Think it's aging superstar still running the team. People did the same to Kobe his last contract

[@abelpalafax9730]

Thanks big Klay for all the great games u played 4 us

[@theloniousvic]

Thats what im saying. People forget how genuinely good of a basketball player Klay is/was during their championship seasons

[@begaqincer]

@@theloniousvic No GSW forgot ...You have to Carmelo Anthony these owners and take ll the money on the table

[@leskfan1277]

Yes, the Warriors' offer to Klay Thompson was completely fair. And Klay Thompson's decision to go to the Mavericks was also completely fair. Fair on all sides.

[@yoki_isthename9456]

Not when reports are saying Klay thinks he was disrespected by the Warriors.

[@carladavis1473]

Agree

[@carladavis1473]

​@@yoki_isthename9456just because he thinks that doesn't mean it's true.

[@undertakerblaise256]

@@yoki_isthename9456people love narratives. Narratives sell.

[@cedricessono6158]

Fair??? Green got 4 years 100 mil. They probably refused to give him the same type of deal after everything he sacrificed for them.

[@klewlessss]

Klay was afraid of the ghost of nba past. Cant be in GS when he's not the player he used to be n it CLEARLY bothered him

[@mikehawk401]

Same reason he ran from LA

[@koopakarmichael5856]

Klay was extremely selfish with his decision. Good for him. His roll on the Mavericks will be a perfect fit. Great time to be a Mavs fan❤

[@BigDicnigga-eh4kj]

It was the disrespect that bothered him

[@frankielymon1148]

@@mikehawk401 nah lakers are trash and and are in the media for the wrong reasons. Mavs just went to the finals no brainer right there

[@professionalpookie]

​@@koopakarmichael5856 *role

[@pimpjose12]

Everyone is avoiding the Lakers like the plague, no one wants to join the circus show

[@EternalDarkseid]

a lame like you would love that to be true....the rules make it nearly impossible to get a 3rd star....the rules....thats why nobody coming to the lakers

[@crescentprincekronos2518]

@@EternalDarkseid the lakers could have done a sign and trade, pay Klay more money. the warriors were willing to do it, but there is a reason Klay said no and took less money. the only thing lebron fanbitches can do is attack their critics, not with facts but when hoe-like behavior.

[@deedeesla608]

It is true! Lol! Klay been upfront and close with LeBron! More than you have and hell no he don't want NOTHING to do with that! Lol!

[@knight9k]

😂😅🤷🏾‍♂️🤦🏾🤦🏾🤣

[@PedalToTheMetal61888]

@@deedeesla608 ...and reverend bullwinkle with da bicycle singing hell to the nah nah nah and hell ... no

[@alvaronazerdelvecchio5363]

He really got paid 70 million dollars for not playing 2 years, i love klay but he was being unreasonable

[@mohammadishaktayoob1143]

2.5 years almost

[@waynesun4052]

He won us 4 champ I have not much complain about it.

[@MarshallWard-pg8bs]

As a warriors fan, thank you Stephen A Klay missed all 20-21 season Klay missed all 21-22 Missed half of 22-23 The warriors gave him a MAX deal after he tore his ACL. He then tore his Achilles. He missed 206 games before coming back. How the hell is this in any way the warriors fault.

[@KadeemTheDreeam]

Exactly!! His fuckin ego is to blame. I wish him the best he can walk out the door

[@TetrisPimp]

Missed 50 games 3rd season. That's 2.6 seasons missed

[@clintzeke]

@@KadeemTheDreeam @MarshallWard-pg8bs I’m a basketball fan, respect the Warriors but not my team. My question is how do you feel about the money Draymond (28M) and Wiggins (26) are making? In my eyes both of them are doing a lot less for the Warriors than Klay. So yes Klay has missed years, but that’s business. That’s part of the contract he signed, unfortunately he just got hurt. Not like a Simmons who’s cashing checks and just claiming mental issues. Just want your opinion

[@KadeemTheDreeam]

@@clintzeke I feel you shouldn’t watch the next man’s pockets that’s always a recipe for failure. As far as contracts goes tho they can always trade someone away and their contract will be the next teams problem. Klays issue is he wanted to be dealt with right away when the owners wanted to see who they can bring in to help the team as a whole. Draymond is more important to the team than Klay, he may average less points but he does a lot more than what the stat sheet shows

[@clintzeke]

@@KadeemTheDreeam definitely understand not pocket watching, but essentially that’s what people are doing when they say Klay shouldn’t say anything cause he got paid while hurt. I personally don’t think DG is more important but he’s a good talker and will sell you on that. Now I can definitely debate that he’s hurt the team more, and in my opinion may have cost them 2 more championships. Hence why I would have departed from DG or AW before Klay

[@Marco.of.Substance]

I actually agree with you this time. GSW have given Klay max money for his career. He already got paid well for bringing championships so they don't owe him.

[@winnieabad4358]

and klay does not owe warriors also because he worked for what they paid him even had major injury fightong for the warriors.

[@cookiemoney7451]

@@winnieabad4358he kinda do if he didn’t take the rehab process seriously

[@begaqincer]

If its just business .dont call me Fam / Family /ask me how's the kids ...

[@Marco.of.Substance]

@@begaqincer Would you rather they not had done that? No matter how good of a relationship you have with someone at some point people have to come to the realization there is not an infinite amount of money. You can't keep paying someone for what they did in the past. This is not a D Wade situation where he took less money and now you owe him on the backend. They made him a respectable offer. Athletes are competitive and it's hard to come to grips that they aren't the same player they once were.

[@begaqincer]

@@Marco.of.Substance OK fine but dont criticize me. when i bounce from team to team or offer no hometown discount..its all business !!!!

[@xratedctew1]

As a Bay Area native & Warriors fan… I speak for all of us when I say.. WE UNDERSTAND & RESPECT HIS DECISION TO LEAVE. 🥲🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@mylesjones3134]

Can’t speak for all us

[@xratedctew1]

@@mylesjones3134 MAN… SHUT UP

[@edwinjohnson7580]

Everyone’s local microphone works just as well as yours.

[@syzee8282]

We also understand GS' decision to let him walk.

[@xratedctew1]

@@syzee8282 exactly… We know how this goes.. I’m basically saying no one from here is Mad bro left

[@ferdyalih5067]

Klay doesn't want entertainment, he wants to play basketball. That's his reason for choosing Mavs over LA. And SAS is right on point; can't blame GWS Organization for the exit of Klay. And the end of the day, FOR BOTH SIDES, it's all about BUSINESS. COME WHAT MAY, I AM GWS FOR LIFE. Greetings from the Philippines!

[@evilamo]

Klay earned his statue, bless him and thank you!

[@shemsuddinmillard3172]

Thank you, Stephen A. No sentence that defines the Golden State era can be written without Klay Thompson. That needs to be said first. And you are thoroughly correct. He was given a 191mil contract AFTER he tore his ACL. The rift in my mind begins when Klay stayed away from the training facility during his ACL rehab. He was carrying a few extra pounds (by his own admission) and tore his achilles in a pick up game. Joe Lacob invested a huge amount of money on good faith and Klay didn’t reciprocate that respect in giving the team medical staff and trainers the unfettered ability to monitor and manage his progress. Golden State has been a pretty good organization when it comes to medical and training support. Looney, Steph, GPII, Draymond, OPJ and many more have rehabbed and returned without recurring spells on the IL for the same injury. Not prefect, but pretty dang good. I dunno. Klay has to come to grips with his age, injury history and pride to be a true and consistent asset. I really hope Dallas can give him the joy and opportunity to be, in whatever capacity, his amazing self as a player, leader and person.

[@kwamintaylor4247]

SAS I feel is really the only one that got it right on the klay situation. It wasn’t truly about the money. Klay wanted to be relevant on a team

[@CarmenRoberts-rx8wp]

Totally agree! 100%

[@jklok]

Thanks Klay! And wish you all the best at the Mavs. I’ll still be rooting for you.

[@gloriacash8082]

I agree! All the best Klay!👍

[@foehammer5185]

"I'm just asking,I'm just asking.." 🤣🤣🤣

[@noamspector3198]

😄

[@ARC_Trooper_Han]

This is going to be the story for next season. I hope we get a ton of media coverage for the Mavs. I’m sick of seeing nothing but the Lakers on every single channel every single day.

[@kimbo8778]

I love Steph all day! His spirit is Beautiful! ⭐️🙏🏽🫶🏽

[@SteelShield21]

Klay didn't go to LA cause he don't wanna be a part of LeBron's circus with his son

[@stainshield]

He could've gone to The Clippers or Kings.

[@Laidback_616]

That same circus produced a recent title.

[@azure950]

@@stainshield do you want him to end his career bro the clippers are one of the worst franchises oat and the kings are play in threats 😭

[@vincentabm]

Basketball is a business, loyalty only goes so far, Klay knew, and acted accordingly. I wish him all the best, dub nation doesn't forget.

[@RandomEsports1]

game evolved. klay doesnt have a step back. warriors needed HIELD, who has a step back. catch shoot doesnt work. esp when klay cant really get separation anymore

[@sojo_z4638]

Respectable comment coming from a wizards fan yall warriors fans solid I can say that

[@nightskylights730]

@@RandomEsports1 Catch and shoot can work when players busy with Luka and Kyrie which leaves Thompson open. Mavs generate a lot of open looks just no one was draining them and hope with Klay that can happen

[@BrizzyTV_]

Yeah, I remember Klay still getting paid during his time he was out for those 2 years. He mentioned that in his ESPY’s award acceptance. I love Klay, glad he got paid during his injury, wish he didn’t leave the Warriors but I am wishing him the best in Dallas. Klay is still my guy 💪🏼

[@brucelau2023]

Klay was definitely afraid of the NBA past, i mean he can't be in Golden State when he's obviously not the player he used to be , and those injuries he suffered the last two seasons before coming back in 2021-2022 he wasn't the same anymore

[@cedricessono6158]

How about Green?

[@Marlon_J]

​@cedricessono6158 Green is an enforcer. Though some of his antics were over the top. They felt he was a necessary evil to have.

[@iamtheonlywilly]

@@cedricessono6158Green should’ve been gone. They act like he has some skill no one possesses. This is the only season he made some dents in scoring but it wasn’t consistent.

[@countbless3360]

I think he could have. Should have become a Ginobli like player as the sixth man of the team. A little humility was required for that which Klay wasn't up for it.

[@lukem15]

He is a human at the end of the day and I understand the feelings he probably felt. He doesn't want to spend the rest of his days desperately trying to recreate the joys of the past. He isn't the same, the team isn't the same, original gm is gone and he doesn't even have the money incentives on his side. If you really unpack the possible factors he was thinking about that plagued the Warriors situation... it's not hard to see why he packed his bags and moved on.

[@talesofcsoplahia]

It's heartbreaking to see the Warriors finally coming to an end. I've only experienced this one time before and it was in the 90s with the Chicago Bulls. I'm glad I got to witness basketball greatness in the 2010s that was on par with the Chicago Bulls' historic run in the 90s. Not sure when this will happen again, but when it does, I will resume watching the game on a regular basis until that era comes to an end.

[@s3ts]

Strongly disagree. No way those warriors are on par with Bulls two 3-peats, never losing in the finals.

[@tommythunder99]

Anyone in his right mind would stay the hell out of that Lakers circus. Good luck in Dallas Klay!

[@saatersamsonawuapila607]

Klay wasn't ready to be another Lebron fall guy.

[@jpnoy]

But went with Kyrie who can’t win without Lebron

[@kwasisitimelamasole4146]

Klay’s struggles were evident. I don’t usually agree with SAS but this piece is facts. It was time to go separate ways

[@begaqincer]

is it time for Draymond to go? Curry was frustrated with how as well !!!!

[@richA2430]

Again as a warrior fan, this was the right move. Warriors paid him while he was hurt, paid him for not playing, remember that

[@LesterZap]

Let's just look at it in a positive way that for every GSW vs Mavs Games next season will surely be a three-point shoot out.

[@onepac7563]

Klay should have taken a pay cut to stay in Golden State. They paid him a ton of money when he was having knee problems.

[@Bran-Da-Don]

It's about coming off the bench. He can't do it there. Maybe somewhere else but not there. I knew the moment they benched him he was leaving.

[@eayorentertainment3634]

Derrick Jones went to the clippers

[@giombi15]

1. Klay’s team didn’t like how the Warriors portrayed to the media how they offered him a 2 year $48M deal when it wasn’t a firm offer. 2. His team infact offered to take a $20M/year deal and GSW told him to wait as he wasn’t a priority. 3. At that point he provided the Warriors with four other contracts which they declined. At end of the day is Klay better than Poole , Tobias Harris or Jonathan Isaac ? Warriors haven’t made a move to get better but prioritized Poole and Wiggins over him despite everything they have gone through. And you’re missing that he got injured trying to win a championship in the finals where he was the only one holding the team together. This is a massive betrayal and they didn’t even improve.

[@leatherhoop]

No player should ever take a pay cut.

[@alanhudson2999]

I just wish they could came to a contract deal where he be willing to stay with his splash brother..I wish Klay all the best tho live your life Klay go make ur paper n be happy 😊 🎉😎💯

[@Zenlollipop]

Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews wrote an ESPN article that I think explains the missing pieces of Klay's decision. It wasn't about the amount of money. Apparently the extension talks were stalling because Klay's agents proposed multiple packages in the $15-20M per year range throughout last season, but the Warriors FO were disappointed with the team's performance over the past two years, and felt that a trade was necessary. They wanted Klay to wait until the offseason so they could maintain flexibility while trying to land a difference maker (Lebron, Paul George, DeRozan, Markkanen etc.) and they would then sign him as a free agent for around $24M per year. Even in the offseason, they wanted him to wait until after the PG decision to re-sign him, once it was clear that they had no reasonable moves left to make. Personally, I think that's reasonable from the Warriors as a team that just lost the play-in, but this does tell Klay that he's not the priority for the Warriors this offseason. Between that and the attention to his performance from the media and multiple large fanbases (and haterbases?), he probably just wanted a fresh start. He won't say this outright, but he probably signed with Dallas over LA because he knows it will attract less media attention on him, and at close to a vet minimum deal, if he has a bad game it's either just Luka's fault or a normal, unexceptional game for Klay. He can be Tobias Harris on a much friendlier contract. From the article, based on a source close to Klay, "something about playing for the Lakers apparently felt too much like playing for the Warriors". I think we can understand why that might be. I don't think there's any disrespect drama going around the Warriors. Klay was hurting and needed to be somewhere healthier. The Warriors would've liked to keep him around, but not at the expense of trade flexibility for a difference maker. The story just feels bittersweet. I hope he has fun playing in Dallas.

[@hangtime1111]

klay was shooting 40% from 3pts better than 90% of the nba you guys are tripping warriors are done with kuminga wiggins and green you sign everybody before him and gave him the leftovers after winning 4 rings they did him dirty big time

[@Henry-bl3lz]

Klay went to Dallas not because of money. It was because his status with the team has changed. They don’t view him as a starter anymore. They are paying him to sit on the bench for the next two years for a long farewell tour. Klay thinks he can still play. But time will tell that he’s making a mistake. The legacy of staying with one team is priceless. He has to realize that he’s been lousy for the last two years Lucky that they gave him that chance to finish with the team.

[@kevinmanginelli6932]

He's still averaging 18 points on 40 percent from 3 lmao hes not washed lmao smart for Klay cause the warriors probably won't make the playoffs the next 2 years. He best chance to win a title was to leave honestly

[@AmitSharma-lh3pm]

Hes gonna come off the bench with mavs lmao

[@kloonmen374]

Klay sill would have been in the rotation, the dubs front office wanted him to come off the bench as a 6th man and Klay didn’t want that role and rightfully so. Podz is solid but to think that he’ll contribute more than klay is insane. Warriors will be lucky to break 100 points a game this upcoming season

[@smag7477]

I can't wait for Klay to win a ring with Luka and Kyrie

[@Whatacomedian_]

He didnt show up in the play in. Thats it. He still shot better than most of the league. 😂

[@Coffee415]

Thank you! Exactly what warriors fans know. We love you Klay, but all good things must come to an end.

[@dannyblau3850]

With you on everything….except why he didn’t go to the Lakers. That looked like a clear situation of Mavs vs Lakers. Mavs just clearly look like a better team with a clear identity that can be seen and a better chance to win.

[@syndeeseeley6202]

I am sad to see the Splash Brothers split up, but Klay made a decision to leave. As a Warriors fan, I am not excited to watch him as a Maverick, but I will always appreciate what he did as a Warrior!

[@bogusphone8000]

Top Gun perfectly describes Klay: "Your ego is writing checks your body can't cash." Klay left because he was informed that he was now the vet and his role was to grow Podz and Moody.

[@ricardorubio6336]

Always Loved Klay’s Game. He is needed more in Dallas than in LA. He most likely would come off the bench in LA plus the lakers r one big question mark rn. No one knows what to make of that team. They r pretty much that same team out side of draft picks .

[@ClearinghouseLogin]

If you asked Klay, what are some things you would change that would give you a reason to stay at Golden State. In my opinion he would say.. 1. To have played the fourth quarter in his 60 point game against the Pacers. 2. To have stayed in the game where he broke the 3 point record with 4:52 left in the 3rd quarter.

[@marquezvaughn]

They took care of him when he was injured for 2 years they could have easily traded him when he had value

[@gisellelewis9850]

He and Kawhi are the same...

[@WW3DraftDodger]

I'm not saying this is how Klay would feel, but if you were to ask ME who I'd rather play for: JJ Reddick or Jason Kidd, I'm sorry - I'll take Jason Kidd every damn time. It's not even close.

[@docdaatlien]

I feel like the situation in Dallas is better for multiple reasons

[@deedeesla608]

Jason kidd from Oakland baby!!!

[@azure950]

lakers have leGM playing with his son lmaoo its a circus in LA

[@solohere5608]

I agree. Everything happened the way it had to. Crazy how the media can sway a players pay too.

[@marvfromthecity]

Just wish klay the best and hope that he doesn’t have too many of those bad shooting streaks and can fit in with his new team w dallas. We got on him for his poor defense and taking bad shots, hope that mavs fans have patience when hes klanking or getting beat on defense lol. Sucks to see him go bc I would love he stay in the bay and help groom the newer guards… but I respect that he still feel like he got something to prove and wanna get paid.

[@1Scital1]

Man Kemba was going crazy - and the only reason Hornets was getting talked about. Wasn't Kemba averging like 30 ??? This all off memory I could be wrong.

[@knight9k]

Klay wanted to go...Gheesh, let it go...The man wanted a new environment...Let that Man LIVE!!

[@thelastdon6562]

The end we he said. "Im just asking" "Im just asking"🤣🤣🤣

[@Pataflala]

A huge warriors fan. Native to the bay. Nothing Klay ever does outside of pulling a scottie pippin could ever make me hate him. I wish him all the best in Dallas. I just wish he had considered the warriors taking care of him during rehab for a little longer. The decision seemed very immediate

[@lonzorutlandjr.4536]

Bron didn’t take a pay cut he stuck it to them

[@bennymozzarella1605]

He was going to take a pay cut for Klay

[@Belacose-HOGG]

So much for the "nobody wants to play with Luka" narrative! ...

[@inhop2443]

It was Luka, Bron, or retirement.

[@TruthDefined4life]

​@@inhop2443All bad options for him.

[@Luke-ul3xf]

Klay does love Kyrie

[@jaleru]

I live in the Bay Area. If I was offered a job in Texas for the same wage and a few years I'd take too. This Cali tax hits hard 😂

[@TruthDefined4life]

@@jaleru He was actually offered 2 years/$48 million by Golden State. That was a FAIR offer.

[@resurrectedainu6751]

No they were not fair. Gave Draymond the courtesy contract Klay deserved. Green is bad for business overall. Manipulative creep.

[@1yungez]

draymond dont get injured and is not fragile minded

[@zekite6467]

@@1yungez draymond is indeed very fragile minded lol, so fragile that he loses games every season due to techs and anger-management problems.

[@nailbombx2311]

Hate to see him leave the Warriors, He will always be remembered as a key part in all their championships! And one of the best teams ever..Dallas is gonna be even more of a contender now! Excited to see if they can get it done with Klay!

[@reedykat30]

Thanks for memories, Klay. You will be missed.

[@juanitareid9183]

Thanks Klay..feel sad of your leaving the Warriors..but still looking forward to you always playing your heart out.

[@brunocuevas2136]

Warriors should released Draymond Green and kept Klay Thompson.

[@gloriacash8082]

I agree. Draymond and his antics are toxic to the Warriors😮.

[@DianneReevesFan]

I think the Warriors decided to pay Draymond on the backend of his career, as part of a deal. To date, the Warriors have paid Draymond 177m, Klay 228m, and Steph 355m. Draymond’s current 4 year contract will put him at 250m when it expires.

[@johnr8309]

Truest thing Stephen A. ever said. I'm a Golden State fan and they paid Klay Thompson good money for two seasons he didn't even play. They have been more than fair with him.

[@pg13pacernation30]

Mike Dunleavy Jr. in just one year as Golden State's GM: •Traded Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins, 2030 1st round pick (top-20 protected), 2027 2nd round pick, and cash for Chris Paul •Waived Chris Paul after 1 season •Let Klay Thompson walk in free agency Not a good start for Dunleavy Jr. at all...

[@yordanoshimed9514]

I disagree. Draymond is far more valuable than Poole so he had to go. Paul made the second unit one of the best in the league but isn't worth the $. Klay walked bc he wasn't okay being 6th man even though guys like Moody are better two way players and have been patiently waiting their turn.

[@lpwexl]

Perspective is everything. MDJ was able to find a sucker to take that Poole contract. Poole had the worst plus/minus in the league. Right call to dump him. He did that while acquiring an expiring contract. GSW got 2nd rd picks for Klay which he is turning into Heild. Heild and Klay’s numbers aren’t that much different. Look it up. Cheaper, younger, with 2 good knees. MDJ is out here cooking.

[@treesin2199]

Klay has been holding back the Warriors for 2 years and has been dividing the fan base. His long leash vs Kumingas caused fans to take sides. Now Warriors are better via subtraction.

[@FatherofFFD]

🎯

[@Hunt9-qb1if]

You spelt Draymond Green wrong

[@TheForkOnTheLeftist]

@@Hunt9-qb1if seriously is this even on the radar compared to choke holds, nut checking, punching your own teammate or bailing out of games with techs?

[@DK-vx9mq]

Dray provides more value to the team than Klay at this point in there careers

[@tjgrafiks]

u mean one year. he had practically his best if not one of his best seasons in 22-23. averaged 22 ppg and led the league in threes makin 301. wtf u talking about last 2 yrs. that was wiggs fckn shit up and klay still played better than wiggs coming off two potential career ending injuries. yall be trippin lmao

[@evanjmph]

Nostalgia is so toxic, this is a team sports and you can't drag everybody else down if you can't compete like you used to.

[@KevinCantWait08]

I have so many mixed feelings about Klay leaving us… but ultimately, the relationship had run its course, so I have come to terms with it. Even though I’m pissed he left us, it’s true that he also wasn’t being shown respect by ownership with their sneaky negotiating tactics, especially Joe Lacob.

[@MrNetMan11]

Did you ever consider that Klay might not be the easiest person to have a real conversation with about where GSW thinks he’s at? Seems to carry himself with a lot of pride/ego. I’m sad he’s gone but I don’t think he was going to embrace an ongoing 2nd team role.

[@Justin-cl7lg]

As a warriors fan I don’t know if Stephen A got some good sources or what’s going on but Stephen A always giving us major respect and showing the organization love.. thank you for that Stephen A ❤

[@davidwilliamson8502]

GSW fumbled when they kept Draymond over the Poole incident and DEFINITELY effed up when they kept Green over Durant. They also paid Draymond $25 million per year on his extension. Because they made so many mistakes, they couldn’t offer Klay much. With Durant, they could’ve been a real contending team. Instead, they’re Play-In losers.

[@michaelposner9035]

Durant a snake 🐍

[@deedeesla608]

😅😅 So you. It seems what Poole doing? 😅😅

[@blackzero23]

Klay just wanted a new scenery and knows the warriors aren’t a contender anymore. They keep making it about the contract. So funny how the media is full of shit

[@Spreademcheekz]

All I know if is if they want Klay to avg 20 and shoot 40% like he did this passed year after all star , Kidd better make some plays for KT. Kyrie n Luka love handling the ball

[@JamesGood-fl1ri]

Steph klay drsymond turned 300mil into 8.+ billion for ya 4 rings stay loyal work harder together and pay that man

[@eugenenazariusfernandez6980]

Lakers has the most toxic fan base and Klay is still getting his rhythm back, u don't want those delulu fans going booing and bullying online... plus Dallas state taxes are nice.

[@GoldenState22]

Klay wants to get paid. Good luck to you Splash Bro. Wish nothing but the best👍

[@MrNetMan11]

Nah, not the money. If anything he took a pay cut. But what he got was knowing he is a first choice pick for the Mavs and a guaranteed starter. GSW don’t see him as one of the critical pieces anymore. They would have kept him on out of loyalty but they wanted to secure someone else first. Sad thing for GSW is they didn’t find their big replacement AND they lost Klay.

[@electroniccornbread]

Why is SA even laying this out. Dynasties and legends are not all about money. GSW messed up with how they handled this.

[@suttonfamilypoodles]

It is what it is let's move on with positivity. Congrats Klay you chose what's best for your mental health. Celebrate him. This world is going through enough. It's time out for all the negativity. Peace and blessings 🙌 🙏 ✨️

[@hiddeninthebrush]

I think the fact Klay had such an off year has alot to do with the deal. He never really got back to where he was since the injury and probably wont. Plus he is a guy who cant get his own shot, or dribble well for that matter, he benefitted alot from the system he was in. Dallas will be interesting but not sure he could be expected to play heavy minutes.

[@mstarsup]

The Warriors' offer to Klay was fair, and him moving out was fair also to be honest. What wasn't fair however is that a guy who punched a teammate, kicked people's balls, punched people, chocked people, got multiple suspensions including an indefinite one, etc. not only got away with everything and got welcomed back with open arms when the suspensions were over, but even got much more recognition than him from their own organization.

[@gloriacash8082]

@@mstarsup I totally agree. Draymond has gotten away with way too much. Although he has great passing and defensive skills, l feel he is toxic to the Warrior team. If it weren't for Draymond, the Warriors would have made the playoffs. His antics are inexcusable. Golden State didn't want to separate the Splash Brothers and Draymond. Klay ended up leaving anyway😒. I think Klay was fed up with the Golden State organization and Draymond too😄.

[@BusyWatchingYouTube]

Klay single-handedly was responsible for a bunch of GSW losses last season. Just sulking on the bench and bringing that negativity. Bro was a bricklayer, and his misses always came at crucial points in the game. Rally killers! I’m glad he’s moved on and hope he finds happiness in Dallas because he was once GREAT and deserves that.

[@DondiSy]

If it was really true, gsw had 2 years consecutive of unstable locker room

[@MrNetMan11]

Yeah he had a lot of shocking games last couple of years, none worse than his last one and the Lakers series the season before. In amongst that though he would dominate some games so he was a real head-scratcher for the coaching staff.

[@chosenbygod2812]

Exactly, that's why I say kick rocks 🪨 they were extremely patient with Klay and plus he didn't score ONE point in the last game, not a point, the game we needed him to show up. Maybe he'll do better in Dallas.

[@gloriacash8082]

I'm sorry Klay won't be playing with the Warriors.😔. I wish him the best. I remember when Klay didn't make the All NBA team, and Kemba Walker made the team instead. Klay was devastated😡. Before his 2 serious injuries, Klay was virtually unstoppable👍. Much happiness and success Klay! You'll be missed! 😊

[@Chaoskae]

Loyalty is one sided. GSW should’ve done whatever it took to make sure Klay retire a warrior. Like how everyone wants Athletes to do whatever is needed for the team.😂😂

[@GEDMusic-bl7zg]

You’re right but they sucked without Klay and when he came back they won the title.

[@seanvcpd]

100% but they also did start that season 18-2 and he joined them after that. Definitely needed though.

[@keithprater2011]

So should people not get workers comp if they get injured while working on the job? You’re too intelligent to make a take like this bruh cmon now

[@joshrizal]

Fair to Klay ... Dray fights KD and he left, Dray punched Poole and got traded, Dray hit Nurkic and suspended for weeks and Warriors gave him a lucrative extension, meanwhile Klay had a few poor shooting games and was replaced by a rookie. Klay did the right decision to leave the Warriors.

[@jhdivina]

the whole punching nurkic incident was after the extension, so no way that affects the decision-making. draymond is also crucial to the warriors’ schemes, as he’s the engine of the warriors’ defense. the warriors need klay for two reasons: perimeter defense and a secondary scoring punch. klay is now a bad defender and he showed how much ego he has with all the forced shots he did last season trying to prove that he’s still that guy. yes, green has risks of punching his way out of games, but he has proven to still be an impactful defender and a positive playmaker when he plays. klay, on the other hand, showed that he’s now a bad defender and an inconsistent scorer. makes sense why the warriors FO didn’t see that klay is worth contract he originally demanded. also, note that he was offered an extension of 2 years for 48m. the years match up with the end of steph’s contract, the same way green’s and kerr’s contract were designed to be. if klay can’t understand that, that’s on him.

[@Roxy-gi3ds]

I agree. The warriors disrespected him after all he has done for the team. He is still a great player. Go Klay!!! ThBk you for all the great memories. Go Mavericks!!

[@VegasVaron]

Love Klay! Warriors offered more money than Dallas, but he left because the Warriors didn’t treat him the way he thought he should have been treated. Wish Klay all the best. No hard feelings.

[@garrysaint-vil725]

Vacation season even with this podcast 😝

[@fivedesert3675]

I agree 100% this time. Its really uo to klay if he wants to retire wearing gsw uniform. Im ezcited for next season lets see how will it go for dallas and warriors..

[@redsoundzzentertainment]

Klay will have regrets just like KD. Hope he dont end up bouncing around like KD too

[@DarkHype936]

Klay can bounce around since he won chips with GS. KD cant lead a championship team

[@Kyleaholic]

Klay is just chasing now. He wants more rings than Steph.

[@user-md1pf1em9i]

Agreed. I don't agree with you often, but totally agree on all points. GWS offer of 2 years, 48 million last year, was a good offer he turned down. They have been very fair with Klay overall.

[@MelsDiner115]

Yup.. people forgot he got paid Full 2 years without playing a game almost 70mil. Advance bonus retirement pay!

[@traceries5201]

When the player presents up to 4 different offers to ownership and ownership dismisses them as the “wrong time” to talk and then invites said player to play golf in the offseason and doesn’t even mention the contract situation. This is disrespectful. This is prideful game playing BS on Lacob’s part. It just is. Now Lacob has done amazing things for this franchise BUT this is the same coldness that resulted in Myers leaving and intentionally or not it created an issue with Klay that was unfixable. Klay offered to stay for 2 for 40million and ownership wouldn’t discuss it. Said they had to do other things first. It isn’t the negotiating that was an issue. It was the lack of dialogue. You don’t treat your franchise stars that way. You can offer less but you cannot ignore them with the silent treatment. This is a Lacob fail. Whether it is the best for the team or not, the way it went down is not okay. Local media has the facts. Read some of them.

[@MrNetMan11]

I don’t think it’s disrespectful. It’s just the reality that GSW don’t consider him a key piece anymore. They would have kept him out of loyalty but they wanted a big new piece first and see how much money they had left. Didn’t go the way they planned.

[@Tactical_0ni]

Going to LA only means you're a potential scapegoat. Not even the coaches are safe lol. Obviously Bronny will get the favoritism as well. Just facts.

[@jpnoy]

It’s only going down hill for Klay has diminished on court never the same after injury but Warriors still kept his sorry butt

[@teenice1885]

Kamba deserved his All NBA that year.

[@rodwells8577]

Not over Klay, no way

[@onlywiigame.]

@@rodwells8577kembas the first option on offense and he’s a much better playmaker than klay it’s not even close

[@evilmonkeyspeaks7801]

The Warriors knew going into last season knowing that they were gonna let Klay walk. Klay knew they were gonna let him walk. Klay got his money ($275 million in 13 seasons). The Warriors won 4 NBA Championships and now they're one of the most valuable franchises in American sports. Nobody got screwed here........

[@leonangelarevalo2596]

The thing with LeBron is that media would give him all the glory and the blame for the others , klay didn't want that problem , now he has to focus on adjust to a different system and enjoy ,, good luck to him

[@Ibeonit]

Warriors ain’t warriors without #11

[@octaviuscurry3818]

What that mean

[@TaintedStaff]

You a casual bro he shot them out of the elimination game against the Kings... Tf u mean?

[@1Flyingfist]

​@TaintedStaff It's kinda like if Pippen left the late 90s Bulls. ***I obviously don't mean in terms of skills*** But it would've just looked weird had MJ and Rodman stayed, but Pippen had gone to some weird team. It was weird enough seeing Jordan in a Wizards uniform.

[@JPitsmefam]

@@TaintedStaffhuh, the team was horrible in general. JK was most def messing up in the first half

[@haku4841]

@@JPitsmefamjk can take a big leap if he becomes a demar derozan type player, he needs to consistently hit middys

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

That’s an ego issue. Curry and Draymond both came off the bench at times.

[@zekite6467]

I agree but for context both the times Curry and Dray came off the 2nd unit was purely because of rebounding off injury, which means it was really just a minutes restriction. Klay was strictly due to lackluster performance, especially in crunch time.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

@@zekite6467 true but that’s on him to fix. The Warriors organization would be dumb to key a player on the floor that is underperforming.

[@firecracker8071]

I feel Klay knew long before the end of the season, that he was going to leave. That long sad look around the arena was the tell all look😢😢😢 Love you Stephen A, your so wise❤

[@perryolsen1370]

Not to mention he was also out for almost half of the 2021-2022 season.

[@hmamane59]

In the world of business he was a major reason the franchise increased 2 billion in value! (with a B!)

[@peterpickering4415]

They have a problem with Klay Thompson's decision but praise players like Durant and James chasing superteams seemingly every couple of years . Sometimes you have todo whats best for you ....

[@davymuzihao2068]

There is a difference between handing money with two hands vs throw it on the floor for you to pick up. Warriors front office never cared about the details. Bob joking about KD not being the original squad during parade. The way they handled JP and draymond. And how they say resigning Klay is not priority. Dudes need to learn showing respect can go a long way and save money.

[@joosttx]

From sailing in the San Franscisco bay to floating is the hot soup called Lake Ray Hubbard. Klay you made a mistake.

[@SnipeySnipe]

I wish espn first take would talk about soccer more

[@regigill7186]

After hearing ZILCH from the Warriors for weeks, ZERO response to any of his offers, including a paycut, Klay decided to leave. IDK how silence from the front office equates to FAIR. In my opinion it equates to DISRESPECT!!!!

[@teenice1885]

I think the benching hurt.

[@Tony_Tucka]

Facts

[@FekalistaGrzybowory-lz8lh]

"you want to bench me?"

[@briantong]

And the team AND Klay played better during that time. Everyone found a better rhythm and role. Then play In game, Kerr went right back to the original lineup with Klay starting that wasn't working all season. Go figure...