What a week it’s been for Warriors fans. The management made the tough call to part ways with Klay Thompson, one of the Splash Brothers and the Bay Area’s beloved spirit animal. While fans are struggling to say goodbye, it seems Thompson and the team have already moved on.
It all started before the official announcement of Thompson’s sign-and-trade to the Dallas Mavericks. Just hours before the deal was confirmed, the team began selling his jerseys at a 50% discount. Danny Emerman, the Warriors beat reporter for the Bay Area News Group, witnessed this at the California Classic, a precursor to the NBA Summer League, held at Chase Center in San Francisco. Emerman noted the heavily discounted jerseys in the team store and a farewell message to Thompson displayed during the first quarter of the Summer League game between the Kings and the Lakers, which included Bronny James.
Emerman reported that the Warriors’ public address announcer encouraged fans to head to the team store to buy Thompson jerseys “while supplies last.” His post at 1:47 p.m. on Saturday was several hours before the Warriors officially announced the trade that sent Thompson to Dallas, part of a historic six-team trade, the largest in NBA history.
It might seem harsh to start selling Thompson’s merchandise at a discount before the trade was even finalized, but Emerman noted that a lot of merchandise was marked down in the store. In his picture, you can see an Andrew Wiggins jersey in the same section, and Wiggins is still on the team (for now). So, what gives?
The real reason behind the half-off sale is likely more about clearing out old inventory than Thompson’s departure. The discounted jerseys are Golden State’s “Statement Edition” jerseys from the past two seasons. With the Warriors recently unveiling their new “Statement Edition” jersey, it makes sense they’d want to move out the old stock at a discount. As of Sunday afternoon, there were no discounted Thompson jerseys available on the Warriors’ digital team store.
Thompson’s impact on the Warriors and the Bay Area is indelible, and the team has a lot of work ahead to fully remove his presence. Emerman’s photos showed Thompson’s face prominently displayed behind the checkout counters in the team shop, a reminder of his lasting legacy.
While the official farewell message was a nice touch, it’s hard for fans to see their favorite player leave. Thompson has been with the Warriors for his entire career, becoming a cornerstone of the team and the community. His departure marks the end of an era, but it’s also a new beginning for both him and the Warriors.
As fans, we’ve watched Thompson grow from a promising rookie into one of the best shooters in NBA history. His performances in key moments, like the 2016 Western Conference Finals Game 6, will forever be etched in our memories. His resilience, especially coming back from serious injuries, has been nothing short of inspiring.
The Warriors now face the challenge of moving forward without one of their foundational players. They’ve made significant moves this offseason, and the team’s direction will be interesting to watch. While Thompson’s presence will be missed, the Warriors have always been about more than just one player. The strength of the team has always been in its depth and ability to adapt.
In Dallas, Thompson will bring his championship experience and sharpshooting skills to a team looking to make a deep playoff run. The Mavericks, with their own ambitions and a solid roster, are a good fit for him. It will be fascinating to see how he meshes with his new teammates and contributes to their success.
For now, Warriors fans can only reminisce about the good times and look forward to the future. The bond between Thompson and the Bay Area community is special, and his impact will be felt for years to come. Whether it’s through the memories of his clutch performances or the inspiration he provided through his perseverance, Thompson’s legacy is secure.
So, while it’s tough to see him go, there’s also excitement about what lies ahead. Both for Thompson in his new chapter with the Mavericks and for the Warriors as they continue to evolve. Change is never easy, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and new beginnings.
To wrap up, this week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Warriors fans. The departure of Klay Thompson marks the end of an era, but it also signals a fresh start. As the team and fans adjust to this new reality, the memories of Thompson’s contributions and the excitement for the future will carry everyone through. Here’s to Klay Thompson, a true Warrior in every sense.
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