Goodbye to the Era of the Splash Bros: Klay Signs with the Mavs

It really happened. Klay Thompson is no longer a Golden State Warrior. He’s officially signed with the Dallas Mavericks, and even though we all kind of saw this coming, it still hits hard. Klay leaving the team feels like the end of something special. As a fan, it’s tough to imagine the Warriors without him. He wasn’t just part of the team; he was there at the ground floor of the best dynasty of all time.

Klay gave us some unforgettable moments in Warriors history. A 37-point quarter in 2015, which still has not been matched. He could catch fire in a way no one else in the league could, and when he did, it was game over. Who could forget Game 6 against the Thunder in 2016, when he dropped 11 threes and basically saved the season? Or the 60-point game where he only dribbled the ball 11 times? And of course, the 2019 Finals, when he tore his ACL and still walked back out to shoot his free throws. Klay had a quiet toughness that you had to respect. He wasn’t flashy or loud. He just showed up and did his job at the highest level.

But this past season felt different. The 2023-24 season was tough to watch at times. Klay still had good games, but the consistency just was not there. And even more than his play, it was his body language that told the story. He didn’t look like the same joyful Klay. There were games where he seemed checked out, frustrated, or just emotionally drained. It felt like something was missing, and honestly, I think Klay knew it too. As sad as I am to see him go, I understand why he needed a fresh start. A new city, a new role, and a chance to write the final chapters of his career somewhere else. And no matter what jersey he has on, Klay will always be a Warrior in my eyes. He helped bring four championships to the Bay. He gave us memories that we’ll never forget. And more than anything, he stayed loyal through everything, including two major injuries that would have ended most careers. Dallas got a legend. And we got a lifetime of moments to be thankful for.