In the grand scope of the broader NBA landscape, Klay Thompson’s decision to leave the Warriors and sign a reported three-year, $50 million deal likely isn’t the biggest basketball move of the offseason. Thompson, 34, can still be a great complimentary piece to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in Dallas, but his days of being an elite 3-and-D player are long over.
But as far as sentimentality? Few moves this summer, if any, will touch the magnitude of Thompson’s departure — even if it was expected.
Of course, there’s the basketball element. Thompson didn’t just orchestrate some of the best moments in franchise history, but in league history. Game 6 in Oklahoma City. 14 three-pointers in Chicago. Two free throws on a torn ACL. 37 points in a single quarter. 60 points on 11 dribbles. He’s a four-time champion, a five-time All-Star and, depending on who you ask, the second-best shooter of all-time.
But there was also Thompson, the person. Remember the time he signed a toaster? Or when he was interviewed about scaffolding in New York? The time he missed a 360 dunk in China? How many covers of SLAM Magazine are funnier than his? What about the many exploits of “Captain Klay” and his dog, Rocco? Even his impersonator felt par for the course.
The internet, to the surprise of no one, has had much to say since Thompson’s signing hit the internet. Here are some of those reactions:
“What a ride they had. Steph, Klay, Draymond never thought it would end. They changed the game.” — NBA free agent Patrick Beverley
“I’ll never forget Klay running back on defense after tearing his ACL. Heart of a champion.” –@30problemz
“Thank you for everything Klay Thompson” — Bay Area rapper P-Lo, who also said: “I’m just glad he didn’t become a Laker”
I’ll never forget Klay running back on defense minutes after tearing his ACL. Heart of a champion.
— 30roblemz (@30problemz) July 1, 2024
Throwback to Steph’s speech to Klay after his 1st MVP…
What a ride for the Splash Bros
pic.twitter.com/DeLOQUswJE
— Guru (@DrGuru_) July 1, 2024
What a ride they had. Steph, Klay, Draymond never thought it would end. They changed the game.
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) July 1, 2024
Duos in NBA history to each make 7+ threes in a game:
6 — Steph Curry and Klay Thompson
2 — Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins
1 — 24 duos
End of an era pic.twitter.com/xjd3E2DqMK
— Automatic (@automaticnba) July 1, 2024
Highest +/- over the last decade:
+6,186 — Steph Curry
+5,219 — Draymond Green
+4,181 — Chris Paul
+4,131 — Kevin Durant
+4,008 — Klay Thompson pic.twitter.com/sbDI2Zs5Dx
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) July 1, 2024
Longest NBA tenures ending in breakup
18 years: Karl Malone (Jazz)
17: Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets), Tony Parker (Spurs)
15: Patrick Ewing (Knicks), Paul Pierce (Celtics)
14: Robert Parish (Celtics)
13: KLAY THOMPSON (Warriors), Gary Payton (Sonics), others pic.twitter.com/Abe66oAcLq
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) July 1, 2024
Thank you for everything Klay Thompson #WarriorForever
— P-Lo (@p_lo) July 1, 2024
Thank you Klay Thompson for all the memories.
— Dr. Nirav Pandya, M.D. (@DrNiravPandya) July 1, 2024
Will forever miss you Klay
No matter what has happened these past 2 season you will ALWAYS be a warrior for life and a warrior legend!
Your jersey will be in the rafters and it will be very deserving!
Thank you for everything Klay Thompson pic.twitter.com/opUTNZay0d
— LoonMuse (@KevonLooneyMuse) June 30, 2024
Gracias por tanto
Hasta pronto, Klay Thompson pic.twitter.com/fahHf6d2DH
— GSWL (@WarriorsLatam_) July 1, 2024
Everything in this video is how Klay Thompson will be remembered in the Bay Area pic.twitter.com/oLZH41wZGw
— Klay Thompson’s Burner (@iKlayThompson) June 30, 2024