Warriors release statement on Klay, hint at retirement of No. 11 jersey originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
After losing a franchise icon on Monday, the Warriors released a statement regarding Klay Thompson and revealed how they plan to honor his legacy in the Bay going forward.
Golden State plans to retire Thompson’s number 11 jersey from the Chase Center, according to a statement Monday night. No further details or additional information were available.
“We cannot overstate Klay Thompson’s incredible and legendary contributions to the Warriors during his 13 years with the team, highlighted by four (4) NBA championships, six (6) trips to the NBA Finals, five (5) NBA All-Star Game appearances and several NBA records, including most points scored in a quarter in NBA history (37) and most 3-point field goals made in a game (14),” the statement read. “The amount of joy and happiness Klay has brought to Warriors fans, Bay Area residents and Dub Nation supporters around the world is immense and cannot be minimized.
“His penchant for delivering in high-pressure situations on the biggest stage, including many heroics in Game 6, helped define a career. Klay’s legacy will live on forever, and we look forward to the day we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will join a host of Warriors immortals, including those who helped shape this recent dynasty — himself included.
“We thank Klay for his contributions and wish him the very best as he writes a new chapter in his journey.”
Thompson’s historic tenure with the Warriors came to an end Monday when he signed with the reigning Western Conference champions Dallas Mavericks to a three-year, $50 million contract.
According to multiple sources, the Warriors offered Thompson a two-year contract both before the start of the 2023-24 season and again in the offseason before he hit the open market on Sunday.
But Thompson, who reportedly grew frustrated with the organization that drafted him in 2011, was eager for a fresh start after disappointing individual and team performances in 2023-24.
That doesn’t diminish what he did and meant to Golden State, though, helping turn the franchise around alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green. And it appears the Warriors plan to honor him in a special way going forward.
Thompson may wear a different uniform in the coming seasons to close out his NBA career, but No. 11 will always remain a member of Dub Nation.
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