Klay Thompson left the Golden State Warriors because of unsuccessful contract negotiations, a change in role and playing time, and a 'disrespectful' final offer.
Klay Thompson leaving the Golden State Warriors marked the end of an era for one of the most successful dynasties in NBA history.
After 13 seasons, four championships, and countless unforgettable moments, he decided to move on.
While his exit may have seemed inevitable, here are three main reasons why Thompson left the Warriors.
1. Unsuccessful contract negotiations
The biggest reason Klay Thompson chose to leave Golden State was how contract negotiations unfolded.
The Warriors' front office didn't appear to prioritize him as they had for his longtime teammates, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
While Curry remains the face of the franchise and Green was awarded a lucrative four-year, $100 million extension, Thompson's negotiations were far more uncertain.
Following GSW's 2022 championship, the organization focused on extending younger players such as Jordan Poole, who received a four-year, $128 million extension, and Andrew Wiggins, who was locked in with a four-year, $109 million deal.
Meanwhile, Thompson was reportedly hoping for a long-term commitment reflecting his legacy with the team.
When the Warriors instead offered him a shorter deal with a reduced role, it became clear to him that he was no longer viewed as a core pillar of their future.
2. Change in role and playing time
During his final season with the Warriors, Thompson experienced a significant shift in his role. For the first time since his rookie year, he was moved to the bench.
The transition was not easy for the proud sharpshooter, who had been a core starter throughout Golden State's dynastic run.
He had spent years battling back from two devastating injuries—an ACL tear in 2019 and an Achilles rupture in 2020—just to return to elite form.
Despite his efforts, Klay played fewer minutes and saw his role diminish in key moments. This led to mounting frustration, further reinforcing the idea that the Warriors were ready to move on from him as a foundational piece.
The decision to bring Thompson off the bench was largely due to the emergence of younger players, as well as concerns over his defensive effectiveness post-injury.
While Klay remained an elite shooter, his lateral quickness had declined, making him more of a liability on defense. This adjustment was difficult for him, who had prided himself on being a two-way player.
3. 'Disrespectful' final contract offer
The Warriors' final contract offer to Thompson was a two-year extension worth approximately $24 million annually.
While this was still a significant amount, it was far below what Klay believed he deserved, especially when compared to other contracts the Warriors had handed out in recent years.
Thompson was seeking a longer deal that provided both financial security and a statement of commitment from the franchise.
Instead, he found that commitment elsewhere, ultimately signing a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, giving himself a fresh start and stability.
The move to Dallas presented an opportunity for Thompson to play a key role alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
Now that Luka is gone, he's playing with Kyrie and Anthony Davis with the hope of contending for another championship.
For Klay, the decision was about more than just money – it was about feeling wanted. The Mavericks made it clear that they valued his experience.
Their offer allowed him to be a key contributor on a team with legitimate title aspirations. In contrast, the Warriors' offer signaled that they viewed him as a player on the decline rather than an essential piece moving forward.
Check out the 3 main reasons why KD left the GSW.
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