"Klay still salty though" - NBA fans react to Warriors' unusual tribute to Klay Thompson's return to Chase Center

The Golden State Warriors will welcome Klay Thompson back to the Chase Center for the first time this season on Tuesday, Nov. 12 for the Emirates NBA Cup opener. Over the summer, Thompson was part of a sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks, after 13 seasons with Golden State.

According to the organization, they will honor the return of their former star player by handing out captain's hats to fans. ESPN's Malika Andrews said that the intention behind it is that "fans will all take off their hats and extend them." All-Star guard Steph Curry will also address Thompson, according to Andrews.

Andrews said the hat is a nod to how Thompson would commute to the team's arena using his fishing boat.

After seeing what the team has planned for Thompson's return, fans shared their thoughts on X (formerly Twitter).

"Klay still salty though," one fan said.

"Probably would’ve bought one before I saw Klay call Luka his new splash brother," another fan said about the hat.

"Thats the big surprise?" a fan asked.

Other fans are excited to see Thompson back in action in the Bay Area for one night.

"Klay did a lot for the Warriors, well deserved," a fan said.

"Finally a tribute video that is necessary," another fan said.

"Gonna cry when he returns," a fan said.

During his stay with the Warriors, Thompson averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He also made the All-Star team five times and the All-NBA team twice.

Together with Curry and Draymond Green, Thompson helped the franchise win four championships.

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Klay Thompson lost his championship hat during the Warriors' 2022 championship parade

In 2022, the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in six games to win their fourth championship in eight years. The group paraded across the Bay Area to celebrate their accomplishment.

Being true to himself, Thompson went to the championship parade on his fishing boat. While riding the vessel, the All-Star wore his championship hat and it was blown away by a gust of wind.

Someone asked him where his championship cap was when he hit the ground. According to Thompson, his hat blew away because he "underestimated" the wind gusts.

Thompson was instrumental in the team's 2022 championship run. During the first three postseason rounds, the star averaged 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

His stats dropped to 17.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the Finals versus the Celtics. Despite this, he hit 35.1% from 3-point range and was still productive on the court.