SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Klay Thompson supplied a farewell message to the Bay Space and Golden State followers after departing the Warriors in free company this week to affix the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract.
On Instagram, Thompson posted to his 17.1 million followers Friday a photograph of himself holding his new No. 11 jersey from after being drafted by the Warriors in 2011 with the eleventh total choice out of Washington State.
“Oh Bay Space, there are usually not sufficient phrases and pictures to convey how I actually really feel about yall,” Thompson wrote. “From the underside of my coronary heart, thanks a lot for the most effective instances of my life. It was such an honor to place that Dubs jersey on from day 1. I actually simply wished to be the most effective I could possibly be and assist deliver as many championships as potential to the area. The perfect half was not the rings although, it was the friendships I made that can final a lifetime.”
The 34-year-old Thompson received 4 championships with the Warriors alongside Splash Brother Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced. The veteran guard missed greater than 2 1/2 years — your complete 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons — recovering from surgical procedures on his left knee and proper Achilles earlier than returning in January 2022 and calling the recoveries from consecutive accidents one of many hardest and most grueling issues he’d ever achieved.
Curry had hoped to maintain taking part in with Thompson as they made up one of many NBA’s finest backcourts.
“Gonna miss you (at)klaythompson,” Curry shared in his personal Instagram submit Tuesday. “Although we received’t end the journey collectively, what we did won’t ever be achieved once more. Couldn’t have imagined a greater run with you and (Draymond Inexperienced). Modified the entire Bay Space. Modified the way in which the sport is performed. Killa Klay on the middle of all of it. Thanks for the whole lot bro. Go get pleasure from taking part in basketball and doing what you do. Splash Bros 4 life my man.”
Thompson had a irritating 0-for-10 taking pictures efficiency in a 118-94 loss at Sacramento within the play-in event that ended the Warriors season and not using a playoff berth after they received the 2022 NBA title. He mentioned when the season ended he wished to chase a fifth championship earlier than his profession is completed.
A number of instances Thompson had expressed his want to stick with Golden State for his complete profession, saying earlier this yr, “I might like to be a Warrior for all times.”
As an alternative, the emotional Thompson is transferring on with the Mavericks.
Really useful Tales
Thompson, a daily boater and bay swimmer who cherished to sport a captain’s hat that earned him the nickname “Captain Klay,” additionally expressed his gratitude to Golden State — with a trio of hashtags: #foureverchamps, #splashbros4life and #oaklandforever.
“My household and I wish to thank all okay the superb individuals who work tirelessly to make the (at)Warriors group world-class,” he mentioned. “Don’t be unhappy it’s over, be glad it occurred. Till we meet once more. Sea captain out.”
