In a significant move in the NBA, four-time champion Klay Thompson has agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks, effectively concluding his illustrious stint with the Golden State Warriors. At 34, Thompson, who has spent 13 seasons with the Warriors alongside Steph Curry, turning down a contract extension last season, signaling the end of an era for the team.
Reports from ESPN indicate that Thompson will ink a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks, joining forces with All-Star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas, fresh off an NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, confirmed that as part of this three-team trade, they will be sending Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Warriors, in return, will receive a financial trade exception from Dallas and two second-round picks from Charlotte. This exception might be leveraged by the Warriors in future trade discussions, particularly concerning versatile forwards, with Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen reportedly catching their interest. Last season, Golden State had offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million contract.
Despite the Warriors’ efforts to retain Thompson, General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. acknowledged the emotional and logistical challenges faced. Before the NBA draft, Dunleavy expressed hope for Thompson’s return but recognized the complexities involved. A career 41.3% three-point shooter, Thompson has never played for another team since being the 11th overall pick in the 2011 draft from Washington State.
Throughout his career, Thompson has averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Last season, he posted 17.6 points per game, marking his first sub-20-point average season since 2013-14. His three-point shooting accuracy dipped to 38.7%, the second-lowest of his career. Thompson also adapted to a new role, coming off the bench in 14 games, where he averaged 19.8 points and shot 43% from beyond the arc.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, speaking at the start of Team USA’s training camp, expressed a strong desire for Thompson’s return, highlighting his importance to the team. However, Golden State has already made moves to bolster their roster, agreeing to a one-year, $12.8 million deal with former 76ers guard De’Anthony Melton. Meanwhile, Dallas has secured a three-year, $27 million contract with free agent Naji Marshall and acquired Quentin Grimes in a trade sending Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons.
