Klay Thompson, one of the cornerstones of the Golden State Warriors’ historic dynasty, recently opened up about the highs and lows of his 11-year tenure with the team. As a key member of the legendary trio alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Thompson helped transform the Warriors into a juggernaut that dominated the NBA, clinching four championships between 2014 and 2022. Yet, in a candid interview on the Showtime With Coop podcast with host Michael Cooper, Thompson revealed that even this seemingly invincible squad had its share of internal struggles, shocking fans with tales of “friction” among the team’s stars.
The Warriors’ rise to greatness began in the early 2010s, with Thompson, Curry, and Green forming the backbone of a young, talented core. When Steve Kerr took the helm as head coach in 2014, he elevated the team to new heights, turning them into a near-unstoppable force. The Warriors became synonymous with excellence, overwhelming opponents with their lethal shooting, tenacious defense, and unparalleled chemistry. Their four titles, including back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, cemented their place among the greatest teams in NBA history.
Thompson, known for his sharpshooting prowess, was the perfect complement to Curry’s unparalleled range, earning the duo the nickname “The Splash Brothers.” Together, they torched defenses night after night, rewriting record books and leaving opponents scrambling for answers. However, as Thompson revealed, the road to glory wasn’t always smooth.
“There have been a lot of scuffles,” Thompson admitted on the podcast. “There have been a lot of bad words said and feelings hurt. But at the end of the day, we know we just want to win. When you raise a banner, you can look past all the stuff you went through as brothers.”
The revelation that there was friction between Thompson, Curry, Green, and even Coach Kerr stunned fans who viewed the Warriors as a tightly knit unit. “There were times there would be tension between Draymond and I or Steph and I or Coach and I,” Thompson shared. “It’s just part of it. And you grow from it. You’re man enough to leave that on the court and be professional about it.” These moments of conflict, though, only strengthened the team’s resolve, as they channeled their passion into their ultimate goal: winning.
Thompson’s time with the Warriors came to an end in 2024 when he joined the Dallas Mavericks after 11 remarkable seasons. His departure marked the end of an era for Golden State, where he averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 793 games. Shooting 45.3% from the field, 41.3% from three, and 85.8% from the free-throw line, Thompson earned five All-Star nods and two All-NBA Third Team selections in 2015 and 2016.
However, injuries took a toll on Thompson’s prime. A devastating ACL tear in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, followed by an Achilles injury during the 2020 offseason, robbed him of much of his athleticism. As he aged, his role on the team diminished, but his legacy as the second-best shooter in the NBA—behind only Curry—remains untouchable.
Despite Thompson’s departure, the Warriors remain a force to be reckoned with. Curry and Green continue to lead the charge, bolstered by a retooled roster that includes the addition of Jimmy Butler III, acquired by the 2025 trade deadline. Though the team fell short in the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals to the Minnesota Timberwolves—hampered by Curry’s hamstring strain—the Warriors are still primed for a championship push.
With their veteran stars still in the mix, Golden State’s front office faces the challenge of filling out the roster to maximize their title window. The team’s resilience, forged through years of triumphs and tensions, ensures they remain a playoff contender. As the Warriors look to write the next chapter of their storied legacy, Thompson’s revelations serve as a reminder that even the greatest dynasties are built on grit, growth, and the ability to overcome adversity—both on and off the court.