Klay Thompson was warned well in advance of NBA franchise’s lack of loyalty

Former Warriors star Andre Iguodala revealed the warning he had once issued to Klay Thompson about the lack of loyalty from NBA franchises.

Klay Thompson was warned well in advance of NBA franchise’s lack of loyalty

Andre Iguodala reminisced on warning Klay Thompson about lack of loyalty from NBA Franchises

For over a decade, Klay Thompson was a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, helping them secure 4 NBA Titles. However, his departure from the franchise this offseason marked the end of an era – one riddled with loyalty questions in its final stages. While there were many ups and downs in Thompson’s departure from the Dubs, it seems he had already been warned about this possibility.

Former teammate Andre Iguodala recently revealed that he had warned Klay Thompson about the nature of NBA business years ago. He advised Thompson to stay prepared for a time when the Warriors might not be as loyal to him as they once were. As Iguodala recalled on The OG’s Show podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, he made sure to prepare Thompson for what was coming.

YouTube video

I’m learning like, you know, as we get older, I’m like, alright, Klay, make sure you watch out for this as you get older because they’re gonna try to put this against you. And so, as you get older, we’ve been through it, team ain’t as loyal to you when they think you’re on the decline… The team, they wanna keep you, but they trying to use it against you.

Andre Iguodala revealed

The buildup to this moment had been brewing for some time. Thompson’s struggles with injuries and his declining production over the past few seasons had raised concerns within the Warriors’ front office. This ultimately led to prolonged contract negotiations, with relations between the team and Thompson rapidly souring towards the end of his tenure.

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Andre Iguodala’s warning ultimately came to fruition this past offseason when Klay Thompson decided to take his talents to the Dallas Mavericks. Since leaving Golden State, Thompson and his former team have faced challenges, with both the Mavericks and Warriors stuck in a middling Western Conference.

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Andre Iguodala realized Klay Thompson’s potential early in his career

Despite his current struggles, Klay Thompson’s legacy remains intact. He has far exceeded the expectations set for him when he entered the league. Drafted as a lottery pick in 2011, Thompson was initially projected to be a solid role player, a reliable shooter who could complement Stephen Curry. However, he shattered those expectations, becoming one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history.

Andre Iguodala was one of the first to recognize Thompson’s potential. Long before they became teammates, the two faced off in the 2013 first-round playoff series between the Warriors and Denver Nuggets. It was then that Iguodala realized Thompson was different.

George Karl was like, ‘Andre, you gotta help off a little bit more. Don’t be stuck to Klay’. He’s a rookie, but I’m watching film fam. This dude different… Who is this light skin dude?

Iguodala told Haslem and Miller.
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Iguodala’s early belief in Klay Thompson would only strengthen when they became teammates. Joining the Warriors the following season, Iguodala saw firsthand how Thompson’s shooting ability and two-way ability made him a unique talent and ultimately turned him into the legendary player he now is, and a crucial piece in shaping the Warriors Dynasty.