WATCH: 'It's a slap in the face', Kenyon Martin accuses Warriors of disrespecting Klay Thompson

After a protracted negotiation process, Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, agreeing to a three-year deal reportedly worth $50 million. This move shocked many, including former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin, who expressed his dismay at how the Warriors handled the situation.

Klay Thompson, who has been a cornerstone of the Warriors' dynasty, was there from the beginning. Drafted 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, he quickly became a full-time starter and, alongside Steph Curry, formed the legendary "Splash Brothers" duo. His contributions were vital to the Warriors' multiple championships, providing clutch shooting and elite defence.

Despite his integral role, the Warriors chose to negotiate hard when it came time for his new contract. Reports indicated that Golden State offered Thompson a two-year deal worth $48 million last offseason, which he declined in hopes of securing a better contract. This decision led to months of tension and speculation about his future.

Here is Kenyon Martin’s take on Klay Thompson:

"You paid Draymond [Green]...I'm a bucket, I've averaged more points than him, we don't do none of this without me. And this is the thanks I get? It's a slap in the face."



Kenyon Martin on the Warriors disrespecting Klay Thompson 😳



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Kenyon Martin believes the Warriors mishandled the situation. He voiced his opinion on "Gil’s Arena," emphasizing that Thompson deserved more respect from the franchise he helped elevate. He said, “Let's sit down and have a real conversation.” 

“Let's come up with a number we're both comfortable with, where neither of us feels taken advantage of. That’s what the conversation should have been, right? Instead of, ‘This is our number. We're not budging. Take it or leave it.’ That ain't right. You shouldn't give him an ultimatum like that,” Martin said.

“This is the motherf*****g thanks I get?” says Kenyon Martin

Martin's frustration stems from the perception that the Warriors did not value Thompson's contributions adequately. When Draymond Green became a free agent in 2023, the Warriors quickly secured him with a four-year deal worth $100 million.

Also Check: 3 Key Takeaways from Klay Thompson's Historic Move to the Dallas Mavericks

However, Thompson was not afforded the same consideration. Martin pointed out the disparity, saying, “You paid Draymond. You gave Draymond that sh*t—I'm the guy. I'm a bucket. I've averaged more points than him. I've done this, and we don't do any of this without me. So, I fought back through all this to get back here to help us win again, and this is the motherf*****g thanks I get?”

Martin compared the situation to how the Los Angeles Lakers treated Kobe Bryant in 2014. Despite being at the end of his career and recovering from a severe injury, the Lakers gave Bryant a generous two-year deal worth $48.5 million. Martin saw the Warriors' approach to Thompson as a stark contrast and a clear sign of disrespect.

“Looking at it like a slap in the face, man. Disrespectful. It's very disrespectful. Like you said, with certain guys and certain organizations, it should never be about that. It shouldn't be about the money because what I've helped bring in it ain’t nowhere near what I'm asking for. So, it's foul on the Golden State Warriors’ behalf,” Martin stressed.