In a significant move within the NBA landscape, Klay Thompson has signed with the Dallas Mavericks, agreeing to a three-year, $50 million contract. This marks the end of Thompson's illustrious 13-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors, a period highlighted by four championships.
The decision follows a series of unfortunate injuries that sidelined Thompson for two entire seasons, the entirety of the 2019-2020 season and the one that followed, due to a torn ACL and Achilles tendon. Despite these setbacks, Thompson made a remarkable comeback, playing a crucial role in the Warriors’ 2022 title victory.
A Storied Tenure
Thompson's departure from the Warriors comes after a period of internal disagreements and shifting priorities within the franchise. Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported that “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.”
The Warriors, who were aiming to get below the luxury-tax line, offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million extension before last season. However, Thompson turned down this offer, leading to his eventual exit. “The answer to all this is likely somewhere in the middle," Slater added. "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.’”
Warriors' New Financial Landscape
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Warriors had extended Jordan Poole with a $123 million contract and finalized a four-year, $100 million deal for Draymond Green last summer. These significant financial commitments likely impacted the franchise's ability to offer Thompson a more lucrative deal.
As Slater noted, “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.”
The Next Chapter
For Thompson, joining the Mavericks represents a new chapter. With the Warriors reportedly considering trading for Paul George, the fit and financial alignment with Thompson's desires no longer seemed to sync with Golden State's vision for the future. Thompson, who found himself removed from starting and closing lineups at various points last season, faced a changing role that perhaps signaled it was time for a fresh start.
The Mavericks are hopeful that Thompson’s experience and sharpshooting abilities will propel them to greater heights. Despite the challenges and injuries that have marked the latter part of his career, Thompson's legacy with the Warriors is cemented by his contributions to their championship wins and his resilience in overcoming severe injuries.
As the NBA gears up for the next season, all eyes will be on how Thompson integrates with his new team and whether he can recapture the magic that made him one of the league's premier shooters.