Klay Thompson Joins Dallas Mavericks: End of an Era in Golden State
Klay Thompson, one of the most iconic players in Golden State Warriors history, has agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. This move marks the end of Thompson's 13-year tenure with the Warriors, a period during which he won four NBA championships and became a beloved figure in the Bay Area.
Thompson’s Journey with the Warriors
Thompson's career in Golden State has been nothing short of storied. Drafted in 2011, he quickly established himself as one of the premier shooters in the league, forming a legendary backcourt duo with Stephen Curry. His sharpshooting was instrumental in the Warriors' four championship runs, making him a critical component of the team's success.
However, Thompson's journey was not without its challenges. He suffered a torn ACL and an Achilles tendon injury in consecutive summers, sidelining him for the entire 2019-20 season and the one that followed. Despite these setbacks, he made a triumphant return to play a crucial role in the Warriors' 2022 title victory.
The Contract Saga
Thompson was in the third season of a five-year, $189 million contract with Golden State when discussions about his future began to take shape. The Warriors extended Jordan Poole with a $123 million contract and finalized a four-year, $100 million deal for Draymond Green last summer. Meanwhile, they offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million extension before last season, which he ultimately turned down.
The negotiations between the Warriors and Thompson were complex. As noted by The Athletic's Anthony Slater, “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 relationship between the player and the organization appeared to fray over time.
Parting Ways
The decision for Thompson to leave Golden State was not made lightly. "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,” Slater reported. “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 Warriors valued Thompson but not to the extent he desired. “The answer to all this is likely somewhere in the middle. 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.'”
Moving Forward
The Warriors were actively trying to get below the luxury-tax line, which added another layer to the already complex situation. There were even considerations of trading for Paul George, reflecting the team’s desire to restructure while remaining competitive.
Thompson's departure is reminiscent of the difficult decisions teams must make to balance financial constraints and competitive ambitions. The Mavericks, on the other hand, gain a seasoned veteran with championship pedigree, hoping Thompson will provide both leadership and on-court prowess.
As Thompson dons the Dallas jersey, fans will remember his significant contributions to the Warriors, his resilience in the face of injuries, and his role in creating one of the most successful periods in franchise history. Golden State moves forward with a new direction while Thompson opens a new chapter in his career in Dallas.