For the past few months, questions have surfaced about whether Klay Thompson would end his career with the Golden State Warriors. Now, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, NBA fans have an answer. According to Wojnarowski, Thompson will join the Dallas Mavericks via a sign-and-trade. Thompson’s contract with Dallas is for three years and worth $50 million with a player option. Additionally, Wojnarowski notes that the Mavericks will send guard Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets as part of the sign-and-trade.
BREAKING: Free agent Klay Thompson plans to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50M deal with a player option, sources tell ESPN. Thompson ends his historic Warriors run as part of a multi-team sign-and-trade that’ll also send Josh Green to Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/4GJ5hR3H5o
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
Thompson spent his entire 13-year career with the Warriors up to this point. With the Warriors, Thompson averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Additionally, he is a four-time NBA champion, a five-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and a one-time All-Defensive Second Team selection. Currently, Thompson is considered one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history and was essential to the Warriors’ dynasty.
BREAKING: Golden State Warriors Star Joins Title Contender
What Klay Thompson Will Bring to the Dallas Mavericks
Thompson is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. Last season, the California native averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Additionally, he appeared in 14 games off the bench, assuming a bench role at times for the first time since his rookie season. Thompson’s poor season was capped off by a bad performance in the team’s Play-In loss to the Sacramento Kings. In the loss, Thompson recorded zero points while shooting 0-for-10, including 0-6 from the three-point line. This was the first time Thompson went scoreless in a game since his rookie season.
However, despite his poor performances, the 34-year-old can still provide value to a contending team like the Mavericks. Thompson is not the same player he was at the peak of Golden State’s dynasty, but he can be the perfect complementary piece next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks are fresh off an NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. Adding a veteran like Thompson gives them a player with extreme Finals experience. Furthermore, on the court, Thompson is still an excellent shooter and a good defender.
The Last Word on Klay Thompson Joining the Dallas Mavericks, Leaving the Golden State Warriors
With his departure from the Warriors, it marks the end of an era. Next to future Hall of Famer Stephen Curry, the two made up arguably the greatest backcourt in NBA history. Now, Curry and Draymond Green are the only players remaining from the team’s 2015 championship team. Additionally, head coach Steve Kerr is still at the helm and will be for another few seasons.
While it is a dramatic change from Golden State’s perspective, the Mavericks should be happy to win the Thompson sweepstakes. Now, they are in a good spot to head back to the NBA Finals again next season in hopes of winning their first title since 2011.
