Draymond Green Sends Message About Klay Thompson Trade to Mavericks

Draymond Green shed a few tears when he learned that Klay Thompson was leaving the Golden State Warriors.

Green, Thompson and Stephen Curry formed the core of the Warriors dynasty. The trio won four titles together and established themselves as franchise legends. But that era ended this offseason when Thompson agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, facilitated by a trade.

Green addressed Thompson’s departure during the latest edition of his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” on Tuesday, July 2.

“I don’t really know what I think about it. Klay told us last week. I don’t know who he told, but I know he talked to me, I’m pretty sure he talked to Steph last week,” Green said. “When Klay told me, I could just listen to him. And it wasn’t like, ‘Yo, this could end up like this,’ or ‘You should rethink this.’ It was just like, wow. Like, okay. Congratulations, man. I’m happy for you. This is awesome.”

“I reassured him, it doesn’t change anything for us, you know. It changes the basketball court, obviously, but relationships are what they are. They’re forever. I think I shed a few tears.”

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Draymond Green almost left for the Grizzlies

Green said on the podcast that he had to make a similar decision last season. He called Curry, Thompson and head coach Steve Kerr to tell them he was headed to the Memphis Grizzlies.

“I called Klay, Steph and Steve separately, and I said, ‘Hey, I’m leaving. I’m going to Memphis,'” Green said.

Green and the Warriors have finally reached an agreement. Golden State signed the controversial veteran to a four-year, $100 million contract to keep him with the Warriors.

Green’s contract was brought up with Thompson’s departure. Former NBA player Kenyon Martin said the Warriors disrespected Thompson during negotiations.

“You paid Draymond and you gave him this. I don’t care. I’m (Klay) a bucket. I’m scoring higher than him and we wouldn’t be doing any of this without me.” Martin saidspeaking from Thompson’s perspective. “Is this what I’m getting thanks for? It’s a slap in the face. It’s very disrespectful.”

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Steph Curry also wrote a farewell message to Klay Thompson

Curry also bid farewell to Thompson via social media. He posted photos from their time together with the Warriors and included a message for his “Splash Brother.”

“Even though we won’t finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again,” Curry wrote. “I couldn’t have imagined a better journey with you and (Draymond Green). You changed the way the game is played. Killa Klay at the center of it all. Thanks for everything, bro. Go out there, enjoy the game and what you do. Splash Bros 4 life, man.”

Thompson, a first-round pick in 2011, played 13 years with the Warriors. He averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists during his time in Golden State, shooting 41.3 percent from three-point range.

Thompson, 34, is now looking to redeem himself with the Mavericks, who are fresh off an NBA Finals appearance.