Klay posts heartfelt goodbye to Warriors, fans

Klay Thompson penned a farewell post to the Golden State Warriors and their fans on Friday, calling his 13 seasons with the franchise “the best times of my life.”

Thompson, 34, marked the end of an era in Golden State on Monday, when he agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He spent his entire career with the Warriors, helping to lead them to four NBA championships.

“Oh Bay Area, there are not enough words and images to convey how I really feel about y’all,” he wrote in an Instagram post Friday. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for the best times of my life. It was such an honor to put that Dubs jersey on from day 1. I really just wanted to be the best I could be and help bring as many championships as possible to the region. The best part was not the rings though, it was the friendships I made that will last a lifetime.”

Thompson went on to write, “Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened.”

Thompson’s relationship with the Warriors became increasingly strained last season over contract discussions and his looming free agency. His unhappiness grew as his role with the team fluctuated, including him being moved to a bench role in late February. A five-time All-Star, Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game last season, his lowest since 2012-13.

The Warriors wished Thompson well earlier this week, saying that they look forward to retiring his No. 11 jersey, while Stephen Curry, his fellow Splash Brother, paid tribute to him with a message on Instagram.

“Gonna miss you,” Curry wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. “Even though we won’t finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again. Couldn’t have imagined a better run with you and [Draymond Green]. Changed the whole Bay Area. Changed the way the game is played. Killa Klay at the center of it all. Thank you for everything bro. Go enjoy playing basketball and doing what you do.

“Splash Bros 4 life my guy.”