After what seemed like forever, the tension between Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors is over as the former was signed-and-traded to the Dallas Mavericks. For former NBA star Kenyon Martin, though, the way how Golden State treated the Splash Brother was disrespectful.
Thompson, one of the NBA’s greatest shooters, has been a cornerstone of the Warriors dynasty over the past decade. Along with All-star guard Stephen Curry and forward Draymond Green, Thompson helped the Dubs win four championships from 2015 to 2022. The backcourt of Curry and Thompson rewrote the record books, setting new marks for combined three-pointers made in a season multiple times.
![Former NBA All-Star Slams Golden State Warriors' Disrespect of Klay Thompson 1 Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_19715460-scaled.jpg)
However, there were signs this past season that Thompson’s time with the Warriors was nearing an end. Now 34 years old, he was relegated to a bench role as the team focused on developing younger players. His scoring average dropped below 20 points per game for the first time since his third NBA season.
After 13 seasons in Golden State, Thompson is now part of the Mavericks. Though he’s no longer the dominant scorer he once was, the four-time champion and five-time All-Star remains one of the league’s elite perimeter threats when healthy. The Mavs, in turn, will be getting a seasoned veteran who can provide veteran leadership and instant offense off the bench. His legacy as one of the all-time great Warriors is secure, even as the next chapter of his career awaits.
Former NBA Star Kenyon Martin Blasts Golden State Warriors for Disrespecting Klay Thompson
![Former NBA All-Star Slams Golden State Warriors' Disrespect of Klay Thompson 2 Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USATSI_22532443_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
After Thompson was traded to Dallas, various personalities have given their take on the matter. Among those who shared their thoughts was former NBA star Kenyon Martin, as seen in an interview by Gilbert Arenas shared by ClutchPoints on X.
“You paid Draymond [Green]…I’m a bucket, I’ve averaged more points than him, we don’t do none of this without me. And this is the thanks I get? It’s a slap in the face.”
Kenyon Martin on the Warriors disrespecting Klay Thompson 😳
(via @GilsArenaShow)pic.twitter.com/xhtWoEpylq
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 2, 2024
The Warriors, Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets were recently involved in a three-team deal that sent Thompson to Dallas and a couple of second round picks to Golden State. Meanwhile, former Mavs wing Josh Green was sent to Charlotte.
![Former NBA All-Star Slams Golden State Warriors' Disrespect of Klay Thompson 3 Oklahoma City Thunder, Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_21932887-scaled.jpg)
The return GSW got, alongside the refusal to give Thompson a bigger contract, all led to Martin’s conclusion that the All-Star shooter was disrespected by the Dubs. In any case, the Splash Brother will be getting a new opportunity to shine with Luka Doncic and company in Dallas.
![Former NBA All-Star Slams Golden State Warriors' Disrespect of Klay Thompson 4 Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22931729-1-scaled.jpg)
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