Klay Thompson held his first press conference since signing with Dallas during free agency, ending his historic 13-season run with Golden State.
The four-time champion was asked what it was like to leave the Warriors after spending his entire career there.
“I was probably a little disappointed at first,” Thompson said Tuesday. “However, as time goes on, you have more time to reflect and realize what you have done; they can't take that all the way to tournaments … sometimes a breakup is necessary to do the right thing. I'm not the first athlete in the NBA to deal with this.”
After cold negotiations with the Warriors, Klay wanted to start over with a new team and explained how excited he was about that.
“Coming here is a new beginning,” said Thompson. “Feeling wanted again, as if I brought a lot of value, it just makes me happy to go out and exercise after this press conference and get shot. Yes, there were times last year when it was difficult, when it was not as happy as it was in the past.
“It's nice to throw that away and have a fresh start, a new group of guys so you know, teammates, a whole new city. It's really good, and I will welcome this opportunity.”
The 34-year-old player has made it clear that he has one goal.
“I don't want to break any records,” Klay said. I want to win, right now… I'm going to sacrifice myself for the team, but as long as we're playing winning basketball, that's all that matters.”
He will be working with Kyrie Irving for the first time, as well as Luka Doncic.
“I've always been a fan of Kai's game and guarding him has been hell,” Thompson said. “It's nice to be on the other side of that.”
He added, “I don't think you can stick with me as much as you would in the past with guys like Luke and Kai out there. That was also what attracted me the most.
“I'm just happy. I still think I can do what I've been able to do… I know I can help this team, whether it's the experience I've gained or a big scoring night. I just know that I can be a very good player in this league.”
READ MORE: Steph Curry Reveals He Ignored Klay Thompson's Request
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