The dust is starting to settle and the wounds are starting to heal following Golden State Warriors legend Klay Thompson’s decision to join the Dallas Mavericks in NBA free agency, leaving the only team he’s ever known. With every passing quote from those in the Warriors organization — and from Thompson himself — it becomes more and more clear that this was the right decision for the future Hall of Famer, even if it’s hard to watch.
When it first became apparent that Thompson wouldn’t be returning to the Warriors, my fear was that bridges would be burnt; that one of the greatest careers in franchise history would conclude with sadness and bitterness, and that a player who connected with both Oakland and San Francisco more than any player in Warriors history would retire feeling mutual resentment towards the team he formed a dynasty with.