Klay Thompson's Rumored Exit from Warriors Has NBA Fans Lamenting End of Dynasty | News, Scores, Hig

Publish date: 2024-08-18
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 16: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings during the 2024 Play-In Tournament on April 16, 2024 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

The "Splash Brothers" era could be ending for the Golden State Warriors.

Thompson combined with Steph Curry to help lead the Warriors to four titles between 2015 and 2022.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

End of an era. <a href="https://t.co/gJKXyaqQRc">pic.twitter.com/gJKXyaqQRc</a>

Marcas Grant @MarcasG

End of an era. As a Warriors fan, sad to see him go. Thanks for the memories, Klay. <a href="https://t.co/v12oxxZqNh">https://t.co/v12oxxZqNh</a>

Nick Mantas @Nick__Mantas

We kinda knew this was coming but still heartbreaking to see the end of a era in the Bay Area. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Klay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Klay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBA</a> <a href="https://t.co/FMc3vds1jh">https://t.co/FMc3vds1jh</a>

Chris Walder @WalderSports

It felt inevitable, but it's still wild to see. Golden State was so dominant with Curry, Klay, Draymond, and later Durant. <br><br>End of an era. <a href="https://t.co/ziz5tSgnNp">https://t.co/ziz5tSgnNp</a>

Hunter De Siver @HunterDeSiver

Likely the end of an era to the splash duo between Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. <br><br>Two of the greatest shooters in the history of the sport and without a top-10 1-2 punch of all time <a href="https://t.co/FIxCnGmiZG">https://t.co/FIxCnGmiZG</a>

WBR @W_B_Rick

I went to high school exhausted every other day because I stayed up till 1-2 AM watching this team. Appointment viewing. Most fun team to watch ever. Every night you tuned in it felt like Steph or Klay would drop 50. Special era, special team. <a href="https://t.co/VVT8x0egq9">https://t.co/VVT8x0egq9</a>

The Warriors have not made an offer to Thompson as of Saturday afternoon, according to Charania and Slater.

Thompson is eligible to speak with other teams Sunday, and to sign elsewhere on July 6.

The duo Thompson formed with Steph Curry, which helped lead the Warriors to six Finals, is now regarded as one of the greatest backcourts in NBA history.

Warriors fans thanked Thompson for his role on the Splash Brothers among his other contributions to the franchise over 13 years in the Bay Area.

japta @DubsBetterrr

Splash bros man… my whole childhood. My whole life.<br><br>This stings to the core dude. <a href="https://t.co/QiIE8OnGs0">pic.twitter.com/QiIE8OnGs0</a>

SleeperHoops @Sleeper_Hoops

The Splash Bros final stats together:<br><br>4 Titles 💍<br>15-time All-Stars ⭐️<br>12-time All-NBA 🏀<br>1st, 2nd in NBA playoff 3-pointers <br>1st, 2nd in NBA Finals 3-pointers <br><br>572-240 win-loss record<br><br>(Via <a href="https://twitter.com/statmuse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@statmuse</a>) <a href="https://t.co/cMkB8yGmwK">pic.twitter.com/cMkB8yGmwK</a>

🌞 @GameOnSteph_

Still one of the greatest and most emotional moments ever…<br><br>Thank you for everything, Klay 💙 💛<a href="https://t.co/Grd5HZdavj">pic.twitter.com/Grd5HZdavj</a>

Chef K American Fabrizio @OCNiner49

A lot of fans in my generation or young don't remember Montana or Rice, all time Bay Area athletes playing in other uniforms. It happens, that's life. I've been hard on Klay lately, but he will go down as the greatest two guard in Warriors history, and a Bay Area legend. I'll… <a href="https://t.co/7kLwzK1Oq9">pic.twitter.com/7kLwzK1Oq9</a>

Chris Montano @gswchris

i'll always root for klay thompson. the trio of steph, klay and dray brought so much happiness into my life and i'll always remember that

Zach Vogt @ZachVogt30

Man…<br><br>I fell in love with basketball during the Paul George Pacers days, but the splash brothers forever changed the way I viewed and played the game.<br><br>My favorite NBA duo of all time, and it's not particularly close.<br><br>Thank you Steph &amp; Klay.<br><br>End of an era 💔 <a href="https://t.co/w1SQKYjlGJ">pic.twitter.com/w1SQKYjlGJ</a>

Shane Young @YoungNBA

I'll never forget seeing the joy on Klay's face in the hallway after winning his fourth championship, the first since his two major injuries. He should be a Warrior from start to finish. <a href="https://t.co/SrWQQ8hPCs">https://t.co/SrWQQ8hPCs</a>

The news of Thompson's expected departure comes on an already difficult day for Warriors fans.

Paul George, a rumored trade target of the Warriors, declined his player option with the Los Angeles Clippers for next season, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday.

That means George is headed to free agency, where the Warriors will likely not have the cap space to sign him.

presidential poole 🕴️ @spiianch

gonna end up losing klay and not even getting pg 😭 <a href="https://t.co/2BBvJnKFmm">https://t.co/2BBvJnKFmm</a>

Marc Grandi @MarcGrandi

I'll translate for Warriors fans: Paul George will not be a Golden State Warrior.<br><br>The nightmare scenario of missing on PG, being forced to waive Chris Paul to save money, and losing Klay Thompson while only having the mid-level exception for free agents is looking very possible. <a href="https://t.co/15sWIoHGQB">https://t.co/15sWIoHGQB</a>

Smiley @30GotNext

Klay walking and PG not signing with us was the worst case scenario and that's what's happening

Fans' stress was made even worse by Shams Charania and Anthony Slater's report for The Athletic that the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be a "strong suitor" for Thompson.

HTB ♨️ @HenryTheBlasian

Warriors with no Klay is going to be so weird. I really thought he was a lifer, that was Curry's guy

Sean Jordan @BaySean

Losing Klay is sad and expected. He's a legend forever here but I can't get past the last 2 elimination game performances. Just don't sign with the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are also expected to show interest in Thompson in free agency, per Charania and Slater.

No matter Thompson's next destination, his departure from San Francisco will mark the end of an era for the Warriors and raise questions about how Golden State plans to rebuild into another title contender around Curry.

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