Thompson’s Departure Linked to Cold Negotiations
Klay Thompson has left the Golden State Warriors after 13 years to join the Dallas Mavericks. According to Warriors beat reporter Anthony Slater, Warriors owner Joe Lacob’s cold approach during contract negotiations ultimately led to Thompson’s departure.
Iconic Moments and Recent Decline
In the 2016 Western Conference Finals, with the Warriors down 2-3, Thompson scored 41 points in Game 6, leading the team to a stunning comeback. Lacob famously “knelt in worship” to Thompson in the player tunnel, creating an iconic moment. Despite Thompson’s recent decline in performance, he sought respect from Lacob and the Warriors. However, Slater reported that Lacob directed the front office to take a distant and uncommunicative approach in contract talks.
Lacob’s Negotiation Tactics Backfire
Slater mentioned that Lacob had previously used time pressure tactics in negotiations with Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, Andre Iguodala, and Draymond Green, eventually offering fair contracts. However, this strategy failed with Thompson. The organization did not anticipate Thompson’s emphasis on emotional respect, unlike Green or Iguodala, who approached negotiations with a business mindset.
Warnings Ignored
Warriors decision-makers were warned that Thompson had his own pace and that extending negotiations into July would not yield a successful renewal. Thompson, feeling a year-long disappointment, never attempted a last-minute return to the Warriors. Despite the team’s efforts to prioritize him, he was determined to seek a fresh start and happiness elsewhere.
| Player | Approach to Negotiation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | Time pressure | Successful renewal |
| Steve Kerr | Time pressure | Successful renewal |
| Andre Iguodala | Time pressure | Successful renewal |
| Draymond Green | Time pressure | Successful renewal |
| Klay Thompson | Emotional respect | Departure |
Conclusion
Klay Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks marks the end of an era with the Golden State Warriors. The cold approach by Joe Lacob during contract negotiations was a key factor in his departure. Despite previous successful renewals with other key players, the Warriors failed to recognize Thompson’s need for respect and emotional connection, leading him to seek new opportunities and happiness with the Mavericks.(747Live)
