Why Klay’s Warriors departure left Baron Davis sad originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Baron Davis expected a fairytale ending to Klay Thompson’s legendary career with the Warriors.
But a trade happened, and Thompson left Golden State for the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade as part of the first six-team deal in NBA history.
As a key figure on the “We Believe” Warriors team that set a precedent for the Big Three, the retired two-time NBA All-Star was disappointed with the departure of the future Hall of Famers (h/t). Scoop B Radio).
“That was heartbreaking because you always want to see those guys stick together because of what they’ve accomplished,” Davis said.
A five-time All-Star guard who was a centerpiece for the Warriors since they selected him with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Davis wanted the ideal end to Thompson’s illustrious career along with teammates Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
after all, The Big Three of Golden State was one of the most decorated and successful trios in NBA history, winning 575 regular season games, 126 postseason games and four NBA championships combined.
“And you want somebody like Klay Thompson to play with one team, you know,” Davis added. “In the NBA the goal is to play with one team your whole career and for those three guys Klay, Steph and Draymond to see them go from babies to adults to now veterans, it was a little heartbreaking but at the same time I” m always player-first.
“And so, whatever’s best for Klay and I think he’ll have an opportunity to start in Dallas and play with two power scorers that will open up a lot of opportunities and he’ll get a lot of wide open shots.”
Before his move, Thompson had four year tenders for more money on the table, but ultimately decided to take less to pursue a fifth championship with the Western Conference champion Mavs.
It’s a business as much as it is a game, and as hard as it is for the fan in him, Davis understands and respects that.
