Klay Thompson’s move from Golden State to Dallas was always going to be emotional. A decade with the Warriors built habits, expectations, and an unspoken code about how stars protect each other. What has unfolded with the Mavericks, however, has surprised even those who know Thompson best.
Over the past few weeks, Thompson has found himself in multiple verbal confrontations on the court. The common thread has not been the trash talk itself, which is nothing new for a veteran shooter, but what happens around it. Or more accurately, what does not happen.
In Golden State, Thompson rarely stood alone. Any perceived disrespect was usually met with quick intervention from Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, or both. In Dallas, those moments have looked different. The response has been quieter, and that silence has not gone unnoticed by his former teammates.
“That’s two instances in a row I saw him arguing by himself, what the f***?”
Draymond Green and Steph Curry speak up
The most recent flashpoint came on December 3 against the Miami Heat. After missing early shots, Thompson exchanged words with rookie Myron Gardner following chirping from the bench. Both players were hit with technical fouls. For Green, the issue was not the exchange. It was the lack of teammates stepping in.
Reacting publicly to the clip, Green expressed disbelief that Thompson was left arguing by himself. The comment echoed an earlier incident against the Memphis Grizzlies, when Ja Morant taunted Thompson during a shooting slump. Once again, Thompson responded alone, leaning on his championship résumé rather than immediate backup.
Curry shared a similar feeling while discussing his former backcourt partner. He admitted he still instinctively roots for Thompson and does not like seeing him take verbal shots without coverage. The tone was measured, but the message was clear. Thompson no longer has the built-in protection he once did.
“The idea that he is carrying the Warrior success no matter what jersey he has on, I do like that part of it … But I don’t like people taking shots at him when he doesn’t have that coverage and he doesn’t have his guys with him.”
The concern carries weight because of the Warriors’ history. Golden State’s core thrived on collective accountability, especially during tough stretches. That environment offered Thompson emotional and competitive security that is hard to replicate.
Thompson’s second season in Dallas has been uneven. After signing a three-year, $50 million deal in July 2024, expectations shifted when the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic and pivoted toward a broader reset. Early struggles followed. Through his first seven starts, Thompson averaged 11.1 points per game while shooting under 35 percent, eventually leading to a move to the bench.
Since then, the on-court response has been encouraging. Over the past month, Thompson is shooting above 40 percent from three and delivered a 23-point second-half performance against the Clippers on November 29. Analysts have noted that a simplified role has helped his efficiency and impact.
That improvement only sharpens the conversation raised by Green and Curry. Respect in the NBA is often enforced by teammates, not reputation alone. Thompson is adjusting to a new hierarchy, but the expectation from those who know him best is clear. He should not have to stand alone while doing it.
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