Klay Thompson's tenure with the Golden State Warriors has officially come to a close. The five-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion has agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, signaling a significant shift in his storied career.
Thompson’s departure from the Warriors ends an era marked by extraordinary success. Since being drafted by the Warriors in 2011, Thompson has played a crucial role in the team's rise to prominence, forming one of the most formidable trios in NBA history alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Together, they accumulated 98 playoff wins, trailing only the legendary trios of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Cooper (110 wins), and Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili (126 wins).
The Deal and Its Complications
The path to Thompson's new chapter was not without its complications. Initial concerns revolved around what the Warriors would receive in return. These issues have since been resolved, allowing the move to proceed as a sign-and-trade. As part of the deal, Josh Green will be sent to the Charlotte Hornets, while the Warriors will receive two second-round picks.
This transition marks a clear divergence in the Warriors' strategy. Last offseason, Golden State offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million contract, which he declined. Instead, they focused on other key players—Draymond Green secured a four-year, $100 million deal, while Jordan Poole landed a four-year, $128 million contract. Throughout the past season, Golden State started to rely more heavily on rookie shooting guard Brandin Podziemski, signaling a shift towards younger talent.
A Legacy Difficult to Match
Klay Thompson leaves behind a legacy in Golden State that will be challenging for any future players to emulate. He ranks sixth on the NBA's all-time list for three-pointers made, with 2,481, second only to his longtime teammate Stephen Curry, who leads with 3,747 three-pointers. This incredible shooting prowess not only earned Thompson individual accolades but also helped propel the Warriors to multiple championships.
New Beginnings in Dallas
The move to the Dallas Mavericks brings fresh hope and new opportunities. The Mavericks struggled offensively during the NBA Finals, managing only 106.7 points per 100 possessions. Thompson’s arrival is anticipated to bolster their scoring capabilities significantly. Mavericks fans, eager for a return to championship contention, will undoubtedly welcome a player of Thompson's caliber and experience.
Before settling on Dallas, Thompson was linked to other NBA teams, including the Lakers and the Clippers. The Lakers, who were a Play-In team last season, and the Clippers, facing challenges after losing Paul George, both showed interest but ultimately did not secure the sharpshooting guard.
For Klay Thompson, the move to Dallas represents not just a change of scenery, but a new chapter in an already illustrious career. As he dons the Mavericks' uniform, both fans and analysts will watch closely to see how this next phase unfolds for one of the NBA's most talented and iconic players.