Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors let Klay Thompson know that they will take care of business ahead of his return to Chase Center since leaving the Dubs.
After 13 years in the Bay Area, the Warriors legend parted ways with the team to join the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason – ending a legendary era for Golden State.
Before his return, the Warriors shared a tribute video with their roster thanking Thompson for his contributions to the franchise. However, they made it clear that the sharpshooter is entering enemy territory.
The montage started with soft music as the Warriors cast alternated on screen with heartwarming messages.
‘It was an honor to play with you for 13 years,’ says Curry. ‘Always remember every memory we were able to create as teammates and as Splash Brothers. I hope you get the hero’s welcome that you deserve.’
Steph Curry and the Warriors trolled Klay Thompson ahead of his first game back in the Bay
‘Welcome back to the Warriors ground,’ center Kevon Looney added. ‘You deserve to be celebrated. You’re a legend here and did a lot of great things for the Warriors, a lot of great things for me.
Head coach Steve Kerr also sang his praises, saying ‘You are an icon in this franchise. Your statue will be outside Chase one day.
‘Thank you for all the championships, all the incredible moments, the person you are, the teammate you are,’ Kerr added. ‘I loved coaching you and welcome back.’
However, amid the wholesome tributes, the record scratched as his former teammates switched gears from praising to warning Thompson of what was coming.
‘Bay, Dubs, you already know you’re part of it,’ Gary Payton II told Thompson. ‘I just want to say thank you for everything you did but, unfortunately, I gotta kick your ass tonight.’
After 13 years with Golden State, Thompson headed to Dallas after failing to secure a max
Thompson helped Golden State win NBA Championships in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022
Curry and Thompson spearheaded the Warriors’ title runs with their prolific shooting
‘But we still gotta beat you tonight,’ Looney declared with a smile. ‘So good luck, I’m going to foul you.’
Thompson was drafted by Golden State with the 11th overall pick in 2011. From there, he helped the team win titles in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022.
The LA native made five All-Star selections and holds the records for most three-pointers in a game with 14 and most in a quarter with nine in a 37-point third-quarter beatdown over Sacramento in 2015.
Golden State will host the Mavericks in the opening round of the NBA Cup, with the teams set to tip off at 10pm ET. The Warriors are third in the Western Conference with an 8-2 record while Dallas sit 11th at 5-5.
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