Steph Curry tells Klay Thompson ‘go enjoy playing basketball’ in heartbreaking tribute to Golden State Warriors legend
GOLDEN State Warriors star Steph Curry bid farewell to ex-teammate Klay Thompson with a heartbreaking message.
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard left the Dubs after 13 years together, joining the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal.
Thompson, 34, departure came after failed contract extension talks with the Warriors and after seeing his role diminish last season.
It's the end of an era in the San Francisco Bay Area with the former 11th overall pick being a central piece of Golden State's dynasty, alongside Curry and Draymond Green.
Curry, 36, emphasized the ex-Washington State standout's importance to the franchise in a touching Instagram post on Tuesday.
He posted about 30 Instagram Stories with pictures from the Warriors Big 3's historic run, showing their title celebrations, All-Star link-ups, and off-the-court adventures over the years.
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In his last post, Curry sent an emotional message to his ex-Splash Brother – a moniker the two NBA stars shared because of the outpouring of 3-pointers they used to overwhelm opponents with.
"Gonna miss you @klaythompson," he wrote.
"Even though we won't finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again.
"Couldn't have imagined a better run with you and @money23green.
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"Changed the whole Bay Area. Changed the way the game is played.
"Killa Klay at the center of it all. Thank you for everything bro.
"Go enjoy playing basketball and doing what you do.
"Splash Bros 4 life my guy."
The Warriors won four NBA championships with Curry, Thompson, and Green on the roster.
The two guards have been credited with ushering the 3-point era in the league during that time.
Changed the whole Bay Area. Changed the way the game is played. Killa Klay at the center of it all. Thank you for everything bro
Steph Curry
Thompson averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 steals in 793 regular-season games for Golden State.
He shot 45.3% from the field and an astonishing 41.3% from 3.
The Warriors announced they would retire the California native's No. 11 jersey in a statement on Monday.
"Klay's legacy will live on forever," it read.
"And we look forward to the day we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will join a host of Warriors immortals, including those who helped shape this recent dynasty — himself included."
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Thompson landed on the Mavericks in a sign-a-trade deal involving the Charlotte Hornets.
It involved Mavs wing Josh Green going to the Hornets and Dallas sending two second-round picks to the Warriors.