'Be happy it happened' - Thompson to leave Warriors

Klay Thompson told fans "don’t beryllium sad it’s over, beryllium happy it happened" arsenic he confirmed he is leaving nan Golden State Warriors.

The 34-year-old shooting guard, who is expected to subordinate nan Dallas Mavericks, was selected by nan Warriors pinch nan 11th wide prime successful nan 2011 draft.

Thompson went connected to thief nan San Francisco-based squad scope nan NBA Finals six times betwixt 2015 and 2022, winning 4 titles. He was named an All-Star 5 times.

"Oh Bay Area, location are not capable words and images to convey really I really consciousness astir y'all," he said connected Instagram., external

"From nan bottommost of my heart, convey you truthful overmuch for nan champion times of my life. It was specified an honour to put that Dubs jersey connected from time one."

In 2015 Thompson helped nan Warriors triumph their first NBA title successful 40 years, earlier going back-to-back successful 2017 and 2018.

After reaching a 5th consecutive Finals successful 2019, Thompson suffered a superior knee wounded precocious successful nan bid and spent much than 2 years out earlier returning to win a 4th title successful 2022.

"I really conscionable wanted to beryllium nan champion I could beryllium and thief bring arsenic galore championships arsenic imaginable to nan region," Thompson said.

"The champion portion was not nan rings, though. It was nan friendships I made that will past a lifetime."

Thompson formed a devastating business pinch Stephen Curry, who was selected seventh successful nan 2009 draft, and they became known arsenic nan 'Splash Brothers' for their shooting prowess from three-point range.

In 3 consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2016 they collapsed nan NBA grounds for mixed three-pointers successful a season.

"Gonna miss you," Curry said connected Instagram connected Tuesday. "Even though we won’t decorativeness nan travel together, what we did will ne'er beryllium done again.

"Couldn’t person imagined a amended tally pinch you and [Green]. Changed nan full Bay Area. Changed nan measurement nan crippled is played. Killa Klay astatine nan centre of it all.

"Thank you for everything bro. Go bask playing hoops and doing what you do. Splash Bros 4 life my guy."