One of the most momentous nights of the 2024-2025 NBA season is set for Nov. 12 when Klay Thompson will reportedly return to the Chase Center in San Francisco.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Thompson and his new team, the Mavericks, will visit the Warriors on Nov. 12 for a nationally televised game on TNT. The veteran sharpshooter will return to the Bay Area for the first time since leaving the Warriors as a free agent earlier this year.
Thompson’s homecoming will certainly evoke emotions from fans and his former teammates. The 34-year-old wing spent the first 13 seasons of his pro career with the Warriors, helping the franchise capture four championships as part of the most dominant dynasty in modern NBA history.
While Thompson’s return could be met with a few boos, it’s expected to be a solemn affair celebrating his legacy as a Warrior. According to several insiders, Golden State will honor Thompson with a tribute video after retiring his No. 11 jersey in light of his contributions to the franchise.
His homecoming is expected to be nothing like LeBron James’ return to Cleveland in 2010 or Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma City in 2016, both of whom were vigorously booed when they returned to their former teams.
Furthermore, Thompson is unlikely to be booed due to how he left Golden State. The sharpshooter was class-personified throughout his free-agency process as he thanked his teammates and fans for embracing him during his time as a Warrior.
In a social media message, he told Warriors fans to not be sad that “it’s over” but to appreciate their times together, ending the message with the words, “until we meet again.”
The night they “meet again” is fast approaching and one that fans will want to circle on their calendars.