Throughout his 11-year career, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson has engaged in his fair share of trash talk, but there is one instance he regrets. 

In a game against the Phoenix Suns early in the 2022–23 season, Thompson was ejected for the first time in his career after arguing with three-time All-Star Devin Booker. 

Thompson regrets not approaching the exchange in a different way now. 

But I was emotional at the time. Book was giving me a hard time that day. I was not in the right place. That didn’t age well for me; stuff doesn’t age well. I don’t need to show off my four rings, dude. Everyone is aware of that. Wikipedia has that information,” Thompson said on “Podcast P with Paul George.”

We’re all insecure sometimes, and my game wasn’t where it was at. I can admit that because I’m a man. Everybody has weak moments occasionally. Consequently, I’m not too proud of that one.” 

Prior to being sent off in the Phoenix game, Thompson had a poor shooting performance (1–8) and missed all five of his three-point attempts. 

Booker scored 34 points as Golden State was defeated 134-105. 

“Because I see Devin Booker and I should be like, man, I should be proud of this young man,” Thompson said. “The effort he has made. He endured a difficult regime in Phoenix where players were traded frequently and they had new coaches every season, but he persevered and is now a franchise player. Thus, you know, I respect the guys who have that kind of work ethic.”

Both Golden State and Phoenix lost in the NBA Playoffs’ second round, capping disappointing seasons for both clubs. 

Due to their early playoff eliminations, both teams made offseason adjustments. 

In exchange for Chris Paul, the Warriors traded Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards, and Phoenix acquired the three-time All-Star from the Wizards, parking him next to Kevin Durant and Booker.