The Golden State Warriors have always been one of the NBA’s most closely followed franchises, thanks to their incredible run of success during the past decade. However, the team recently found itself in the spotlight for a different reason—one that had nothing to do with on-court action. A tribute post on the Warriors’ official X (formerly Twitter) account honoring Stephen Curry and Draymond Green sparked immediate fan backlash because it noticeably excluded Klay Thompson, the other member of the trio that helped build the dynasty in the Bay Area.

The post celebrated the bond and history between Curry and Green, highlighting their years together as franchise cornerstones. But as soon as it went live, fans began pointing out what they saw as a glaring omission. To many, it was unthinkable to talk about the Warriors’ dynasty without mentioning Thompson, who alongside Curry formed the legendary “Splash Brothers.”

Fans call out “disrespect” toward Klay Thompson

The reaction from the fanbase was swift and emotional. Replies to the Warriors’ post flooded in, with countless users emphasizing how disrespectful it felt to leave Klay out of such a tribute. One fan wrote, “Klay disrespect is wild,” while another pointed out, “Duo is insane—you can’t erase Klay Thompson’s contributions.” Others went as far as to suggest that the Warriors’ social media admin should be fired for the oversight.

To Warriors supporters, Klay Thompson’s legacy with the franchise is untouchable. Even though he left Golden State in 2024 to join the Dallas Mavericks, fans argue that the memories he created and the championships he helped secure ensure he should always be part of any celebration of the Warriors’ success. For many, his absence from the post didn’t just feel like a mistake—it felt like an erasure of his role in shaping one of the NBA’s most dominant teams of all time.

Why Thompson wasn’t included

Of course, there is another side to the discussion. It’s highly unlikely that the Warriors intended to disrespect their former star. More realistically, the post was meant to focus on the current roster and the players still carrying the Warriors’ banner. Since Thompson is no longer on the team, the franchise may have opted to highlight Curry and Green as the two remaining pillars.

That said, timing and context matter. Warriors fans are still adjusting to life without Klay, who spent 13 seasons in Golden State and became as synonymous with the team as Curry himself. For many, seeing him left out of a legacy-focused post just months after his departure struck the wrong chord. The reaction is a reminder that even small details on social media can stir big emotions, especially when it involves a player as beloved as Thompson.

Klay Thompson’s undeniable Warriors legacy

Even though he now plays in Dallas, Klay Thompson will forever be remembered as one of the most important players in Golden State history. Drafted 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Thompson immediately proved himself as an elite shooter and reliable two-way guard. By his second season, he was starting alongside Curry, and the “Splash Brothers” duo was born.

What followed was one of the most dominant runs in NBA history. With Thompson, Curry, and Draymond Green as the core, the Warriors won four NBA championships between 2015 and 2022. Thompson’s role was not limited to being Curry’s sidekick; he often delivered game-changing performances when it mattered most.

Some of his most memorable moments include:

• Scoring 37 points in a single quarter against the Sacramento Kings in 2015, setting an NBA record.

• Dropping 11 three-pointers and 41 points in Game 6 of the 2016 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the most iconic playoff performances ever.

• Scoring 60 points on just 11 dribbles against the Indiana Pacers in 2016, showcasing his elite off-ball movement and efficiency.

• Returning from back-to-back devastating injuries—a torn ACL and a torn Achilles—to help the Warriors win another championship in 2022.

Thompson also earned five All-Star selections and made two All-NBA teams, further cementing his place among the game’s greats.

For fans, those accomplishments make his omission from the tribute post feel like a major oversight. In their eyes, any mention of the Warriors’ dynasty is incomplete without him.

Life after Thompson: Can the Warriors contend again?

While fans debate the post, the Warriors themselves are trying to move forward in the post-Thompson era. Last season was their first without him, and although it was strange to see the team without one half of the Splash Brothers, they still managed to stay competitive.

A midseason trade that sent Andrew Wiggins to the Miami Heat in exchange for Jimmy Butler revitalized the team. Butler, along with Curry and Green, helped the Warriors finish strong, eventually clinching the 7th seed in the West. They went on to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament and upset the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the semifinals.

With Curry, Butler, and Green as the current big three, the Warriors still have the star power to compete. But the rest of the Western Conference has only gotten stronger, and Golden State’s lack of offseason moves could put them at a disadvantage. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves continue to improve, while the Warriors are relying on internal development and chemistry.

The franchise also has to navigate the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga situation, with the young forward reportedly unhappy about his role. If the Warriors can resolve that drama and perhaps add another veteran piece—rumors have mentioned players like Al Horford—they might have a shot at another deep playoff run. But if not, their championship window could be closing fast.

Klay’s new chapter in Dallas

As for Thompson, he begins a new journey with the Dallas Mavericks, where he joins forces with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. While it’s hard for Warriors fans to see him in a different uniform, many are excited to see how his shooting and experience can help Dallas chase a title. The Mavericks already reached the 2024 Western Conference Finals, and adding Thompson could be the missing piece to push them further.

For Klay himself, the move represents both a fresh start and a chance to prove he still has plenty left in the tank. Injuries may have slowed him in recent years, but his shooting ability and championship experience remain invaluable. If Dallas makes a deep playoff run with Thompson, it will only add to his already legendary résumé.

The bigger picture: honoring legacies the right way

The backlash over the Warriors’ tribute post highlights a broader issue in sports: how teams handle the legacies of players who leave. Fans want to see their heroes honored properly, especially those who dedicated over a decade to the franchise and helped deliver multiple championships.

Even though Klay Thompson is no longer in Golden State, his name will always be synonymous with the Warriors’ dynasty. His contributions can’t be erased, and while the Warriors’ social media post may not have been intentionally disrespectful, it serves as a reminder that some players’ legacies demand permanent recognition.

In the end, the controversy is less about the intentions behind the post and more about the emotions tied to Thompson’s departure. For fans, it’s not just about basketball—it’s about loyalty, memories, and gratitude. And whether or not the Warriors include him in every post, Klay Thompson’s place in franchise history is forever secure.