The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, is steeped in Hollywood history. Its 12th hole, where Humphrey Bogart often played golf and sipped bourbon, is now famously known as "Bogart's Tree."
In 2023, when Tom Brady was spotted there post-retirement, his wife, Gisele Bündchen, was dazzling at the Met Gala in New York. Their frequent joint appearances at such events made this separation, marked by Brady's lone presence on the golf course, a public declaration of their divorce.
Six weeks ago, the 13-year relationship between Klay Thompson and the Warriors came to a quiet close on this iconic golf course. Team owner Joe Lacob invited Thompson to play golf as a gesture of respect, hoping to mend their fragile relationship and convince him of his ongoing importance to the team, despite stalled contract negotiations.
Thompson, now 34, has spent his entire career with the Warriors, becoming a symbol of the team and an era. Yet, even those closest to him often wonder if they truly understand him. Assistant coach Bruce Fraser once remarked, "If I had to pick my favorite book, it would be Klay Thompson's memoir at age 60. Only then might we understand everything in his heart."
Emotional Turmoil
In the past year, Thompson's emotions have been more transparent. According to a close associate, he was "deeply pained"—by the slow progress of contract negotiations, by feeling less valued than Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, and by his own declining performance and role within the team.
Thompson's career-threatening injuries forced him to confront his basketball mortality, pondering life without the game and his identity beyond it. He bought a boat, not to escape these thoughts, but to continue them even when physically inactive. He read numerous books and attended Tony Robbins' motivational courses, went deep-sea fishing, and challenged himself with breath-holding exercises.
His comeback story was once one of the best in sports. The Warriors' 2022 NBA championship was a testament to his resilience.
Decline and Discontent
Since that championship, however, both the team and Thompson have struggled. The joy that marked the Warriors' dynasty since 2015 has faded, replaced by a subpar 90-74 record over the past two seasons and a missed playoff berth last season.
Sources say Thompson felt disrespected when the team did not offer him a contract extension the summer after their championship. This feeling intensified the following summer when the Warriors only discussed a two-year deal worth $23 million to $24 million per year, far below Green's four-year, $100 million contract.
Thompson's visible frustration and increasingly difficult behavior were noted by loyal locker room members. His relationship with coach Steve Kerr, once harmonious, now included several emotional meetings, a stark contrast to the "zero maintenance" star Kerr once praised.
Final Attempt at Reconciliation
In mid-May, Lacob invited Thompson to Riviera for a round of golf. The invitation itself was a mark of respect, but the day involved no discussions about contracts or the team's future. If there was ever a chance to salvage one of the greatest partnerships in basketball history, this was it. But sometimes, there's nothing left to say. The relationship had ended, leaving only the path forward to consider.
Since tearing his left ACL in the 2019 Finals, the Warriors had reluctantly moved on from Thompson. His injuries kept him out for two seasons, forcing the team to find replacements. When he returned in 2022, emerging guard Jordan Poole was sent back to the bench to accommodate Thompson, but Poole's presence and contract status undermined Thompson's role.
The Warriors prioritized re-signing Poole (four years, $140 million) and young forward Andrew Wiggins (four years, $109 million) over Thompson and Green, causing discontent among the veterans. Green's frustrations were well-documented, yet he finished the season strong enough to earn a new four-year deal in 2023. Thompson, however, did not receive the same offer, with the team valuing financial flexibility under the new CBA more than his contributions.
Seeking a New Beginning
Sources say the Warriors told Thompson they wanted him back but needed him to wait while they pursued other deals, including potential trades for LeBron James, Mikal Bridges, Paul George, and Lauri Markkanen. It was clear: Thompson was not a priority.
After losing to the Lakers in the 2023 playoffs, the Warriors' management wanted to revamp the roster. However, Kerr fought to maintain the core, resulting in a 4-1 streak that allowed the team to finish the season without major trades. But ending the season tenth in the West and missing the playoffs was decisive.
The Warriors wanted Thompson to stay but not in the same starting role he held for nearly a decade. He was expected to transition into a veteran leader akin to Andre Iguodala, rather than being the centerpiece.
Sources say Thompson was informed of this, and while he was not thrilled, it wasn't a deal-breaker. About a month after their golf outing, as his future with the Warriors grew more uncertain, Thompson had an idea. After nearly a year of desperation, he needed a fresh start: leaving the fishbowl he had known for so long.
A New Path
Two weeks ago, Thompson's camp presented the Warriors with a final offer: a two-year deal worth about $20 million annually. The response was the same as it had been all year: We can't commit right now.
For five years, Thompson fought to reclaim his status and form with the Warriors, but it was not to be. The Warriors were no longer the same team, and he was no longer the same player.
In the past two years, both sides have struggled to adapt to their new realities. Instead of clinging to a fading past, perhaps it was time to fight for something new.
Thompson had watched the Mavericks' playoff run with interest. He was intrigued by the young Oklahoma City Thunder. He had always wanted to play for the Lakers, wearing the jersey of his childhood idol, Kobe Bryant.
The week before free agency began, Thompson met with Kerr in Los Angeles and shared his thoughts. He called Green and Curry, telling them he wanted a fresh start and asked them not to use their influence to interfere with his negotiations.
Then, he called Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy, asking for a sign-and-trade to his chosen team. Everyone understood and wished him well. It would be an amicable parting.
New Destinations
Dallas was his first choice. Sources say he liked the Mavericks' style of play and believed he could fit perfectly alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. He attended a dinner meeting with the Mavericks' leadership armed with scouting notes on the team, predicting how he could contribute.
The Mavericks were excited about acquiring a player of Thompson's caliber and experience at such a reasonable price. The team had performed well, reaching the Finals, but sources say Dallas felt more veteran leadership was needed to solidify their standing.
The Thunder also expressed interest but ultimately prioritized using their cap space to sign big man Isaiah Hartenstein.
Then there were the Lakers. His father's team, his idol's team, and LeBron's team. Sources say the Lakers were willing to offer a longer and more lucrative contract than Dallas—four years, nearly $80 million. James was ready to take a pay cut, and the Lakers were working on trades to make room for Thompson.
LeBron and Thompson had several in-depth conversations about playing together, but in the end, it felt too much like switching from one fishbowl to another.
In deciding to move on from his time with the Warriors, Thompson talked about "new experiences" and "new beginnings." Dallas seemed like the better fit.
Looking Forward
Michael Thompson, who played for the Lakers from 1987 to 1991 and is now the team's radio analyst, was excited about the prospect of his son finishing his career with the hometown team. He tried to talk about parking the boat in Marina del Rey and living in a new house in Hermosa Beach.
"I'm disappointed," the elder Thompson said. "But maybe playing for the Lakers was my dream, not his."
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