Klay Thompson has accepted a three-year $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, ending his epic 13-year run with the Golden State Warriors. Sources told ESPN this on Monday.
Thompson’s contract was significantly influenced by the chance to compete for a fifth title with the Western Conference champions Mavericks.
Greg Lawrence of Wasserman (Thompson’s agent) negotiated the deal, it required a multiteam sign-and-trade that sends Dallas guard/forward Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets and two second-round picks to the Warriors.
The Mavericks will send their 2031 second-round pick in the deal including the least favourable of the 76ers or Nuggets’ second-round pick in 2025, a source said.
Lawrence and Thompson met Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison and VP Michael Finley at the Bottle Inn in Hermosa Beach, California, to delve into the details of a Thompson-Mavericks partnership.
The Los Angeles Lakers were enticing to Thompson, but how much money he would save from living in Texas over California and the fact the Dallas Mavericks were three wins away from an NBA championship were major factors in his decision.
In the last season of Klay’s noteworthy 13-year run with the Warriors, his relationship with the franchise became strained due to contract discussions and his impending free agency. His departure became more apparent as the season progressed.
His sadness grew as his role with the Warriors changed throughout the campaign; highlighted by him being removed from the closing lineup in early February and moving to a bench role later that month.
Thompson, 32 averaged 17.9 points last season, his lowest since 2012-13.
Klay’s tenure with the Golden State earns his place in the franchise and NBA history solidified. Curry, Thomposon, and Draymond Green contributed 518 victories in the regular season and playoffs, sixth most by a trio all time. Their 98th playoff victory together is third in NBA history and their four titles are tied with Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker for the most by an All-NBA trio over the last 50 seasons.
The Warriors wished Thompson well in a statement released on Monday, saying they look forward to retiring his No. 11 jersey.
“The amount of joy and happiness that Klay provided Warriors fans, Bay Area natives and Dub Nation supporters all around the world has been immense and cannot be minimised,” the statement read. “His penchant for delivering in pressurised situations on the biggest stage, including many Game 6 heroics, has helped define a career.
“Klay’s legacy will live on forever and we look forward to the day we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center where he will join a host of Warriors immortals, including those who helped shape this recent dynasty — himself included.
“We thank Klay for his contributions and wish him the best as another chapter in his journey is written.”
