Klay Thompson told fans “don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened” as he confirmed he is leaving the Golden State Warriors.

The 34-year-old shooting guard, who is expected to join the Dallas Mavericks, was selected by the Warriors with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 draft.

Thompson went on to help the San Francisco-based team reach the NBA Finals six times between 2015 and 2022, winning four titles. He was named an All-Star five times.

“Oh Bay Area, there are not enough words and images to convey how I really feel about y’all,” he said on Instagram., external

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for the best times of my life. It was such an honour to put that Dubs jersey on from day one.”

In 2015 Thompson helped the Warriors win their first NBA championship in 40 years, before going back-to-back in 2017 and 2018.

After reaching a fifth straight Finals in 2019, Thompson suffered a serious knee injury late in the series and spent more than two years out before returning to win a fourth title in 2022.

“I really just wanted to be the best I could be and help bring as many championships as possible to the region,” Thompson said.

“The best part was not the rings, though. It was the friendships I made that will last a lifetime.”