In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Klay Thompson—five-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion—has agreed to sign with the Dallas Mavericks. The three-year, $50 million deal marks the end of Thompson's illustrious tenure with the Golden State Warriors, the team he's spent his entire career with until now.
A New Chapter for Thompson
Thompson's departure from Golden State wasn't without its hurdles. Initial discussions centered around what the Warriors would receive in return for their star shooting guard. These issues have now been resolved, and the deal has been finalized as a sign-and-trade. As part of the arrangement, Josh Green will be sent to the Charlotte Hornets, while the Warriors will receive two second-round picks in compensation.
Golden State's Shift in Strategy
The Warriors' decision not to bring back Thompson signals a significant shift in their strategy moving forward. Last offseason, Golden State offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million contract, which he ultimately turned down. This was a precursor to the moves the team would make later on. Draymond Green secured a four-year, $100 million deal as a free agent, and Jordan Poole landed a lucrative four-year, $128 million contract.
During the most recent season, the Warriors began to rely more on rookie shooting guard Brandin Podziemski, suggesting a pivot towards developing younger talent as they prepare for the future.
A Legacy to Remember
Klay Thompson leaves behind a legacy in Golden State that will be hard to replicate. He is sixth on the NBA's all-time list for three-pointers made, with 2,481 long-range shots to his name. The only player ahead of him from the current era is his former teammate, Stephen Curry, who tops the list with an astounding 3,747 three-pointers.
Additionally, Thompson, along with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, has the third-most playoff wins as a trio in NBA history, boasting 98 victories. This is only surpassed by Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Cooper’s 110 wins, and Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili’s 126 wins.
The Mavericks' Perspective
For the Dallas Mavericks, acquiring a player of Thompson's caliber is a significant coup. The team managed only 106.7 points per 100 possessions during the NBA Finals, highlighting the need for an offensive boost. Thompson’s shooting prowess and playoff experience are expected to provide just that. His decision to join Dallas also comes after speculation linking him to other teams, including the Lakers and the Clippers.
The Lakers, who were a Play-In team last season, and the Clippers, who faced their own challenges after losing Paul George, were both considered potential destinations for Thompson. Ultimately, the Mavericks secured the talented guard, aiming to make a strong push in the upcoming seasons.
Thompson’s move to Dallas signifies not just a new chapter for himself but a new era for the Golden State Warriors, who are turning the page towards the next phase of their journey. As Thompson settles into his new role with the Mavericks, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this blockbuster deal shapes the landscape of the NBA.