Klay Thompson, renowned for his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, is set to embark on a new journey with the Dallas Mavericks. This move marks the end of a celebrated career with the Warriors, during which Thompson earned multiple NBA titles and All-Star appearances. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Thompson will sign a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks, a team that recently made it to the NBA finals but fell short against the Boston Celtics.
Thompson’s Legacy with the Warriors
Drafted by the Warriors as the 11th overall pick in 2011, Thompson’s career in Golden State spanned 13 seasons. During this period, he won four NBA championships and was named an All-Star five times. Alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson formed what is widely regarded as the greatest backcourt shooting duo in NBA history. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 41.3%, he ranks sixth on the all-time list for made threes. Despite missing the entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons due to injury, Thompson made a triumphant return to help the Warriors clinch the title in the 2021-22 season.
The Move to Dallas
Thompson’s decision to join the Mavericks is notable, especially considering he turned down more lucrative offers from other teams. His desire to join a title contender reflects his enduring competitive spirit. The deal, reported by the Associated Press, will be executed as a sign-and-trade involving the Warriors, Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets. As part of this transaction, Mavericks guard Josh Green will move to the Hornets.
At 34, Thompson is no longer at his peak, but he remains a formidable player. He played 77 of the Warriors’ 82 regular-season games in the 2023-24 season, the most since 2016-17. However, last season also marked the first time since his rookie year that he came off the bench, and his three-point shooting percentage of 38.7% was the second-worst of his career. In Dallas, Thompson will team up with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, the latter of whom he faced in several NBA finals when Irving was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A Historic Deal for Jayson Tatum
In other NBA news, the Boston Celtics and All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum are finalizing a five-year supermax extension worth $314 million, according to ESPN. This deal, set to be the largest in NBA history, follows Tatum’s pivotal role in leading the Celtics to their 18th NBA title this summer. The substantial contract underscores Tatum’s value to the franchise and his status as one of the league’s premier players.
Looking Forward
Klay Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks signifies a new chapter in his illustrious career. His experience and shooting prowess will undoubtedly bolster the Mavericks’ roster as they aim for another shot at the NBA title. Meanwhile, the record-breaking extension for Jayson Tatum highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the league. As the new season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate how these moves will shape the future of the NBA.
