Warriors to Honor Klay Thompson's Return with Stephen Curry Speech, Fan Giveaway

The Golden State Warriors will put on quite a show to welcome Klay Thompson back to the Chase Center.

The five-time All-Star departed from the franchise after 11 seasons in the offseason and joined the Dallas Mavericks. He will make his first appearance at his former home venue on Tuesday, and Malike Andrews of ESPN reported on NBA Today that the forward will be greeted by words from Warriors star Steph Curry as well as a fan ceremony that will pay tribute to his love of the Bay Area.

"They are billing the night as a 'salute to captain Klay Thompson,'" Andrews said. "Fans will each be given a captain's hat. It's a nod to the commutes that Thompson would often make to Chase Center on his 37-foot fishing vessel. The idea is that fans will all take off their hats and extend them, a literal salute to the four-time champion."

Thompson's tenure with the Warriors was one full of significant success. The franchise won four NBA Championships and reached the Finals in every season from 2014-15 to 2018-19.

That five-season stretch also saw Thompson earn all five of his All-Star nods. During his time with the franchise, he averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

He has remained impactful since joining the Mavericks, averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in eight games. Dallas is currently 5-3 and hoping to reach the NBA Finals for a second consecutive season.

Golden State, meanwhile, has had a hot start to the 2024-25 season at 7-1. While the team appears to be still strong without Thompson, the organization clearly wants to give its fans and players a proper send-off for the franchise icon.