In a surprising turn of events, Klay Thompson, a key figure for the Golden State Warriors over the past decade, has signed with the Dallas Mavericks. The sharpshooter agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract, marking the end of a storied 13-year tenure with the Warriors.
During his time in the Bay Area, Thompson built an illustrious career, securing four NBA championships and emerging as one of the most iconic players in franchise history. His journey, however, was not without its setbacks. Thompson's career was dramatically impacted by a series of injuries, including ACL and Achilles tendon tears that sidelined him for the entire 2019-20 season and the one that followed. Despite these challenges, his return in the 2021-22 season saw him play a crucial role in the Warriors’ title victory, adding to his legacy.
Thompson's departure comes amid financial and strategic shifts within the Warriors organization. In the third season of a five-year, $189 million contract, Thompson was offered a two-year, $48 million extension before last season. Sources suggest that Thompson turned down this offer, leading to his eventual move to Dallas. The Warriors have recently extended Jordan Poole with a $123 million contract and finalized a four-year, $100 million deal for Draymond Green, indicating a shift in the team's budget allocation and roster priorities.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic provides insight into the internal dynamics that contributed to Thompson's exit: “The Warriors and Thompson have differing versions of the firmness of the offer and, again, the true desire of the franchise's lead decision-makers in valuing him as a can't-lose member of the core.” Slater highlights the complexity of the situation, revealing the layered path that led to the eventual split.
Indeed, the journey to Thompson's departure appears to have been tumultuous. According to Slater, the process was a “layered five-year path to this divorce, splintering last season, sprouting earlier and finalizing in the last couple weeks, where—among the conversations Thompson had, league sources said—was a request of Stephen Curry not to exert his significant organizational influence and up the temperature with management to ensure Thompson's return. Curry's measured voice, even if it altered the outcome, wouldn’t change the genuineness of Joe Lacob and the front office's true desire to have Thompson back.”
The Warriors' valuation of Thompson appeared to be a point of contention. Slater notes, “The answer to all this is likely somewhere in the middle. The Warriors valued Thompson, just not as much as he desired. They would've loved to have him back on their terms, but not on his. According to Slater, Thompson's decision to leave 'became easy when the Warriors kicked him down the summer pecking order.'”
Amid these financial constraints and shifting priorities, Thompson found himself removed from starting and closing lineups at different points last season. The Warriors’ efforts to get below the luxury-tax line likely influenced their roster decisions, including the consideration of trading for Paul George.
As Thompson embarks on this new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks, his legacy with the Warriors remains undeniable. His loyalty, resilience, and on-court prowess have left an indelible mark on the franchise and its fans. Meanwhile, the Mavericks gain a battle-tested veteran whose championship experience and shooting prowess will bolster their pursuit of NBA glory.
In Dallas, Thompson joins a Mavericks team that is eager to build around its young star, Luka Dončić. The addition of Thompson not only brings immediate scoring and veteran leadership but also a wealth of playoff experience, which could prove invaluable as the Mavericks aim to ascend the ranks of the Western Conference.
As Warriors fans bid farewell to one of their beloved stars, the basketball world awaits to see how Klay Thompson's journey continues to unfold in Dallas. This move signifies more than just a change of scenery—it represents a new beginning for a player who has already overcome tremendous odds and continues to strive for excellence.