Draymond Green on how Klay Thompson’s exit changed Warriors dynasty

Green opened up about Thompson's departure with rare directness on Post Moves. "A part of this era ended when Klay left," Green said. "When Klay left, it was a little different. But it's still us three and Q Dog, our assistant coach, who has been here the whole time."

Green was careful not to frame the departure as a collapse or a failure. He pointed to the network of staffers and coaches still inside the organization from the dynasty years. But the admission itself puts a clear timestamp on when the era changed. The Warriors finished the 2025-26 season with a 37-45 record and missed the playoffs, losing in the play-in tournament to the Phoenix Suns.

The 2025-26 season unraveled from multiple directions. Curry missed 27 straight games with a persistent right knee injury, and Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in January. Without Thompson's shooting and with both co-stars injured, the Warriors never built consistent form. They have now missed the playoffs in four of the past seven seasons.

Klay Thompson’s future with the Mavericks remains uncertain

Thompson himself has not committed to staying in Dallas beyond this season. In early April, he was asked directly whether he expects to remain with the Mavericks next year. "That's a hard-hitter. I'm not sure," Thompson said. "I'm under contract, so I do, but I've definitely learned in my time in Dallas that things can change on a dime."

Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million deal with Dallas in the summer of 2024. He averaged 11 points per game in 2025-26 after being demoted to a bench role seven games into the season. ESPN reported that teams across the league know Thompson prefers to play for a contender, which adds credibility to the reunion conversation.

The Warriors face a critical offseason beyond just Thompson's future. Head coach Steve Kerr is no longer under contract, and the organization must decide his path forward. Curry is set to earn $62.6 million in 2026-27, currently the final year of his deal with Golden State.

Green is entering the final year of his own contract as well. Those around Thompson believe a Warriors reunion could eventually happen because no one carries more influence with him than Curry, per ESPN's Anthony Slater. Whether that reunion happens in 2026-27 depends on Dallas, Golden State, and Thompson himself.

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