In a move that has left NBA fans both stunned and intrigued, Klay Thompson has departed the Golden State Warriors after 13 remarkable years to sign with the Dallas Mavericks. The shooting guard, known for his sharpshooting and defensive prowess, agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks, signaling the end of an era in Golden State.
An End of an Era
Klay Thompson’s tenure with the Warriors was nothing short of historic. Over 13 seasons, he secured four NBA championships and became a cornerstone of the team's dynasty. Thompson’s reputation as one of the league’s elite shooters was well-earned, and his partnership with Stephen Curry turned the Warriors into an offensive juggernaut.
However, Thompson’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. The star player faced significant setbacks, including tearing his ACL and Achilles tendon in consecutive summers. These injuries sidelined him for the entire 2019-20 season and the one following that, causing many to speculate about his future in the league.
Reassessing Value
Despite his triumphant return and crucial role in the Warriors’ 2022 title victory, the team’s perspective on Thompson had seemingly changed. While Thompson was still in the third season of a five-year, $189 million contract, the Warriors were also making significant financial commitments elsewhere. Jordan Poole received a $123 million extension, and Draymond Green inked a four-year, $100 million deal last summer.
Reports indicate that the Warriors offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million extension before last season, an offer he ultimately turned down. This rejection, combined with Thompson being removed from starting and closing lineups at different points last season, revealed a crack in the once-solid foundation of his relationship with the team.
The Path to Departure
The Warriors were also under pressure to reduce their expenditure and get below the luxury-tax line. The team was exploring other options, including a potential trade for Paul George, which highlighted their intent to restructure the roster in ways that didn’t necessarily include Thompson.
As Anthony Slater of The Athletic chronicled, “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.” This divergence in viewpoints laid the groundwork for Thompson’s departure.
Further, it seems internal dynamics played a role. According to Slater, “It's been 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.”
A New Chapter in Dallas
Ultimately, Thompson found the decision to move on an easier one when the Warriors “kicked him down the summer pecking order,” as Slater reported. The Mavericks, looking to bolster their roster, offered Thompson a fresh start and a robust contract. With this move, Dallas secures a veteran presence and an experienced championship-winner who can contribute significantly both on and off the court.
As Thompson embarks on this new chapter, the NBA community will watch closely to see how this shift impacts both the Mavericks’ fortunes and the continuing saga of the Warriors’ quest to maintain their competitive edge. Thompson's legacy in Golden State is firmly established, and his next steps in Dallas could add further flair to an already illustrious career.