Steve Kerr opened up for the first time since Klay Thompson‘s exit. The Golden State Warriors head coach, in his usual way, dumped all his emotions surrounding the 4x NBA Champ’s departure. Kerr, who is currently in Las Vegas coaching Team USA, made this wholesome statement to the press. However, a few miles apart in San Francisco, the Dubs pulled out a dirty trick on China Klay at the NBA Summer League.

Interacting to the press, Kerr said, “I just want to say thank you to Klay Thompson for 13 incredible years. 10 of which I was there for. What he did for the team, the organization, for the Bay Area, for me personally, the relationship we had. All the incredible success, but more importantly, we just going through it all together. It has been so meaningful, so beautiful. We’re going to miss Klay. We wish him the best.”

The 58-year-old coach further added, “These things rarely go like you want. To draw it up and executive and everybody goes out together. We were hoping that could happen. And we wish Klay well.” While Steve Kerr went all the way down to produce an emotional response, the franchise surprised everyone with a disrespectful move back at the Chase Center. 

The Dubs’ home hosted the California Classic Summer League and accommodated a set of games tonight. The home side took the Miami Heat in the opener and cruised past the Florida side with a 66-105 victory. However, at the same time, the franchise didn’t hesitate to clear the old Klay Thompson jersey stock at a discount, as they advertised it on the big screen.

A few days back, Thompson broke Bay Area fans’ hearts when he signed up for a three-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. It unofficially marked the end of the #11 jersey in the Dubs Nations. However, the franchise, unfazed by all that, sold it for a 50% offer at the team’s official store. Reacting to the act, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote, “They say that basketball is a business for a reason,” via his X handle.

Did Steve Kerr play a role in Klay Thompson’s exit?

The analysts and insiders brought out various reasons behind the star’s exit. Firstly, they blamed the front office for not satisfying the sharpshooter with an enticing offer. Secondly, it fell on the owner Joe Lacob, as they claimed the star had developed a “strained relationship” after 4x NBA Champion GM Bob Myers’ exit.

Nevertheless, several reports even focused on Steve Kerr as well. Especially after his move to send Thompson to the bench and start the game with rookie Brandin Podziemski. Importantly, it didn’t seem to bother Klay at that point. Speaking of it, he said, “Me and Steve [Kerr] had a good talk about it. You can do two things: you can pout or you can go out there and respond. I thought I did the latter very well tonight… So, you just gotta let the ego go when you think of coming off the bench and all that.”

Eventually, Klay regained his spot in the starting lineup at the latter end of the previous season, averaging around 20 ppg in the last 20 games. While everything seemed to have gone smoothly, something affected the shooting guard and helped himself out of the team.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.