Stephen Curry, star of the Golden State Warriors, shared his reaction to Klay Thompson‘s decision to leave the team and join the Dallas Mavericks. Curry admitted it was hard to accept his longtime NBA teammate’s departure.

Thompson, along with Curry and Draymond Green, formed a historic trio on the Warriors, winning four NBA championships together. However, his time at Golden State ended in frustrating fashion, and Thompson decided to seek new challenges in Dallas.

Curry revealed that he found out about Klay Thompson‘s departure when he arrived at the Warriors’ training camp. He told ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk that it wasn’t easy for him: “Put it this way,” Curry said. “He can ask, but I don’t have to listen.”

[Klay] would usually enter the practice facility coming off his boat,” Curry said. With his Dockers on, whatever outfit he had on. He just had a presence about him, a lightness when he came into the room. And his one-liners were always great. … Life throws a lot of curveballs in sports. You’re used to seeing people change places and teams. [However], up until about a week before he decided to sign with Dallas, we never really thought it was going to end.”

Klay Thompson #11, Dario Saric #20 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors sit on the bench during the closing minutes of their loss to the Miami Heat in the second half at Chase Center on December 28, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Thompson’s difficult departure from the Warriors

Thompson left a significant legacy with the Golden State Warriors during his time with the team. He was a key player in the four championships they won, and his presence on the court was fundamental to the team’s success. Without a doubt, his absence will be notable in the upcoming NBA season.