Klay Thompson reportedly leaving the Warriors in free agency had NBA fans in disbelief

It's the end of an era as Klay Thompson is reportedly set to depart the Warriors in NBA free agency.

Golden State Warriors legendary guard Klay Thompson is reportedly on his way out as a free agent on Sunday.

After 13 years, five NBA All-Star appearances and four NBA championships, the longtime Warriors staple and other half of the iconic “Splash Brothers” alongside Steph Curry is expected to depart the franchise for another opportunity in the league, per NBA insider Shams Charania.

Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers could all make sense for Thompson, Charania reported.

While it’s not entirely clear where Thompson may choose to continue his NBA career, it’s a seismic shift for the league after Thompson’s banner run as a franchise face for one of the best basketball teams of the last decade.

Thompson might not be quite the player he was in his prime, but he’s still a viable starter for an NBA franchise. He should sign with a new team quickly.

NBA fans had a hard time grasping the idea that Thompson will reportedly be playing in another team’s uniform next season, as it’s truly hard to imagine Golden State without him.

End of an era. As a Warriors fan, sad to see him go. Thanks for the memories, Klay. https://t.co/v12oxxZqNh

— Marcas Grant (@MarcasG) June 29, 2024

I thought Klay would be one of the rare star players in this era to only suit up for one franchise. Gonna feel weird seeing him in another jersey. What a career with the warriors if this is it. https://t.co/YwAH200Sfx

— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) June 29, 2024

Has felt inevitable the way the talks have (and haven’t) taken place. This feels like the Heat and Wade where a split is both painful but unavoidable for structural reasons https://t.co/cvtoXoKbDM

— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) June 29, 2024

https://t.co/mRN2Pti3uY pic.twitter.com/YKMMhNXJw2

— Light Years (@lightyrspod) June 29, 2024

I Love Klay. Gave this franchise everything he had.

I think both sides are ready for a new era.

Wish him the best. Always, thank you 11 https://t.co/nxVNhxCBNx

— Ramon (@RamonIsHim) June 29, 2024

I do hope everyone is cool about this. The splash brothers at their peak was some of the most exciting ball of the last 20 years. https://t.co/lxQrEyFRjR

— Mike Zakarian (@MikeZakarian) June 29, 2024

And there it is https://t.co/QQvrqLBEBt

— Sam Esfandiari (@samesfandiari) June 29, 2024

Wow. Can’t believe he’s actually going to leave GSW. End of an era. https://t.co/01vbDvLBAz

— Aaron Johnson (@AJohnsonNBA) June 29, 2024

The signs were there, but still pretty stunning. One of my all-time favorite players https://t.co/G7lHSTvW2Y

— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) June 29, 2024

………. https://t.co/Pk433FDBqV

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) June 29, 2024

crying https://t.co/qdS18HJWSs

— Golden State of Mind (@unstoppablebaby) June 29, 2024

Welp. You knew it was coming but it still hits different when it’s explicitly stated. https://t.co/kivCreQ822

— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) June 29, 2024