What Happened to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (The Splash Brothers)?

The 'Splash Brothers,' a moniker coined in 2012 by a Warriors digital content producer, refers to the dynamic backcourt duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, whose prolific three-point shooting transformed the Golden State Warriors into an NBA dynasty. Drafted by the Warriors in 2009 (Curry) and 2011 (Thompson), they quickly established themselves as the league's premier shooting tandem, setting numerous NBA records for three-pointers made by a pair of teammates.

Their partnership was a cornerstone of the Warriors' success, leading the team to four NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, and six NBA Finals appearances. Their offensive firepower, combined with their defensive capabilities, made them one of the greatest backcourts in NBA history. Key turning points included their first championship in 2015, solidifying their status, and Klay Thompson's devastating injuries (ACL tear in 2019 and Achilles rupture in 2020) which sidelined him for two full seasons, testing the duo's resilience and the team's depth.

The consequences of Thompson's injuries were significant, impacting his on-court performance and eventually leading to the dissolution of the 'Splash Brothers' on the Warriors. In July 2024, after 13 seasons with Golden State, Klay Thompson left to sign a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks as part of a multi-team sign-and-trade deal. This marked the official end of their era as teammates, a move driven by contract negotiations and Thompson's desire for a new role.

Thompson's tenure with the Mavericks was challenging, culminating in a career-low season in 2025-26 where he averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 69 games, shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc. Seeking a new opportunity with a contender, Thompson negotiated a buyout with Dallas in August 2026, reportedly giving up $9.5 million from his contract. He then signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Miami Heat on August 23, 2026, where he is expected to be a starter and provide much-needed floor spacing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Stephen Curry, meanwhile, has remained a Golden State Warrior. He is currently under contract through the 2026-27 season, earning $62.6 million, making him the highest-paid player in the NBA for that season. Despite being limited to 43 games in the 2025-26 season due to a persistent right knee injury, he continued to perform at an All-Star level, averaging 26.6 points per game. As of September 2026, Curry, now 38, is eligible for a new maximum contract extension (two years, approximately $136.7 million) and has publicly expressed his intention to finish his career with the Warriors, with negotiations ongoing. The Warriors, after missing the playoffs in 2026, are looking to maximize their championship window with Curry at the helm, having also won the 2026 NBA Summer League.