What ultimatum did Klay Thompson give Stephen Curry before he left the Golden State Warriors?

In a twist that tugged at the heartstrings of NBA fans worldwide, Klay Thompson delivered a deeply emotional message to Stephen Curry just before parting ways with the Golden State Warriors. More than just a farewell, it was an ultimatum wrapped in gratitude, brotherhood, and legacy—signaling the end of the iconic Splash Brothers era while reminding the world of a bond that transcends basketball.

Introduction

In the world of sports, few partnerships have left as deep a mark as the legendary “Splash Brothers” duo of Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. Over a decade, the pair redefined basketball, revolutionizing the NBA with their three-point shooting, and bringing the Golden State Warriors four championships in the modern era.

But as every dynasty eventually faces transition, so did theirs. Before his departure from Golden State, Klay Thompson delivered a surprising, emotional message to Stephen Curry, a gesture that has left fans and analysts reflecting on the magnitude of their bond. While the specific details of the private message were never fully disclosed, international sources confirmed that Thompson shared his heartfelt farewell through a public Instagram letter. That message, paired with Curry’s heartfelt reply, turned into one of the most poignant farewells in NBA history.

This article takes a deep dive into:

• The farewell letter and “ultimatum” Thompson gave Curry.

• Why the message was considered so “unexpected.”

• How their partnership shaped a dynasty.

• What this separation means for the NBA, the Warriors, and the legacy of the Splash Brothers.

• And finally, how Thompson’s new journey with the Dallas Mavericks represents both an ending and a new beginning.

The Unexpected Ultimatum: Klay’s Final Words to Curry

The original report highlighted that Klay Thompson sent a “very surprising” message to Stephen Curry just before officially parting ways with the Warriors. For fans, the surprise lay not only in the act itself but in the timing and tone.

On Instagram, Thompson wrote:

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for the best times of my life… Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened. Sea captain out.”

These words struck a balance between nostalgia and optimism. Instead of focusing on what was lost, Thompson reframed the moment as something to cherish. His playful sign-off, “Sea captain out”, reflected his personality—quirky, lighthearted, yet deeply genuine.

To many, this was his final ultimatum to Curry—not a demand in the traditional sense, but a request: remember the good, not the end.

Curry’s reply only magnified the emotional weight:

“Even though we won’t finish the journey together, what we did will never be done again. Changed the whole Bay Area. Killa Klay at the center of it all… Splash Bros 4 life my guy.”

Together, the exchange captured not just the end of a basketball era, but the conclusion of a brotherhood story that transcended the game.

Why Fans Called It “Unexpected”

In professional sports, farewells are often marked by press conferences, official team statements, or businesslike announcements. Thompson’s approach felt refreshingly personal.

A Gentle Departure

Rather than expressing frustration with the Warriors or disappointment about the breakup, Klay’s message radiated gratitude and positivity. This “soft exit” surprised many, especially considering how emotional contract negotiations and trade rumors can often become in the NBA.

Brother-to-Brother Message

What shocked fans even more was the intimacy of the exchange. Thompson could have chosen to simply thank the organization, but he specifically singled out Curry—his partner-in-crime for over a decade. In doing so, Klay underscored that while his career was moving on, the bond he shared with Curry would remain eternal.

The Legacy of the Splash Brothers

To understand why Thompson’s farewell resonated so strongly, one must look at what the Splash Brothers represented in NBA history.

Changing the Game

When Curry and Thompson entered the league, the three-point shot was still considered a supplementary weapon. Together, they turned it into a primary offensive strategy, redefining how basketball was played.

Their combination of range, accuracy, and volume forced defenses to stretch in unprecedented ways, revolutionizing spacing and creating the modern “pace-and-space” NBA era.

Championship Glory

• 2015: The Splash Brothers led the Warriors to their first NBA title in 40 years.

• 2017 & 2018: With Kevin Durant joining, the Warriors became a superteam, but Curry and Klay remained the foundation.

• 2022: Against all odds, the duo reclaimed glory, proving they could still win without Durant.

Four championships in less than a decade cemented their place as one of the most dominant duos in sports history.

More Than Teammates

Beyond stats and trophies, what made the Splash Brothers unique was their genuine friendship. Curry and Thompson weren’t just co-workers—they were brothers, often seen laughing, joking, and celebrating each other’s successes. That brotherhood is what made the farewell so impactful.

Emotional Depth: A Brotherhood Beyond Basketball

Thompson’s “Sea captain out” wasn’t just a quirky sign-off. It was symbolic of his identity—laid-back, humorous, but heartfelt.

Curry’s response, “Splash Bros 4 life my guy”, highlighted how much Thompson meant to him personally. Even though they won’t finish their careers side by side, the emotional connection will last forever.

This kind of public acknowledgment of brotherhood is rare in professional sports, where competition, contracts, and egos often overshadow personal relationships.

The End of an Era for Golden State

Thompson’s departure represents more than just the loss of a player—it symbolizes the closing of one of the greatest chapters in NBA history.

• The Warriors dynasty, which dominated from 2015 to 2022, will always be remembered for its trio: Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green.

• With Klay gone, the original foundation has been irreversibly altered.

• The “Splash Brothers” brand, once the pride of the Bay Area, now becomes a legacy instead of an active force.

For fans, this is bittersweet: while they celebrate what was achieved, they also mourn what is lost.

A New Beginning with the Dallas Mavericks

While the farewell was emotional, Thompson’s career is far from over. By joining Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in Dallas, Klay enters a new chapter with a team hungry for championships.

• His sharpshooting will complement Luka’s playmaking and Kyrie’s creativity.

• He’ll bring championship experience and veteran leadership to a young, talented squad.

• The Mavericks now emerge as serious contenders in the Western Conference.

For Thompson, this move represents rebirth—an opportunity to chase another ring, this time away from the shadow of Golden State.

What It Means for Stephen Curry

For Curry, Klay’s departure marks an emotional and professional shift.

• On the court: Curry loses his longest-running partner, someone who perfectly complemented his game.

• Off the court: He loses the daily camaraderie of a brother figure who has been by his side since 2011.

Curry will now carry the torch of the Warriors dynasty alone, but his message to Klay shows that their story is far from forgotten.

The Cultural Impact of the Splash Brothers

The Splash Brothers were more than athletes—they were cultural icons.

• They inspired a generation of players to develop long-range shooting.

• They gave the Bay Area a sense of pride and identity.

• Their unselfish, joyful style of play brought fans around the world closer to the game.

Even as Klay moves to Dallas, their cultural impact continues. The phrase “Splash Brothers” will forever remain synonymous with greatness.

Conclusion: A Goodbye, But Not an End

Klay Thompson’s farewell to Stephen Curry was not a standard goodbye. It was emotional, heartfelt, and surprisingly intimate—a testament to the bond the two shared both as teammates and as brothers.

While the Warriors move into a new era and Thompson begins fresh with the Mavericks, the legacy of the Splash Brothers will endure forever. Their dominance reshaped basketball, their friendship warmed the hearts of millions, and their story will be told as one of the most iconic partnerships in sports history.

As Thompson himself put it:
“Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened.”

And for NBA fans everywhere, that’s exactly what the Splash Brothers will always be—a reason to be happy it happened.