In a surprising turn of events, Klay Thompson, one of the core pillars of the Golden State Warriors' recent dynasty, has signed a contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson inked a three-year deal worth $50 million, bringing an end to his storied 13-year tenure with the Warriors.
During his time with Golden State, Thompson was instrumental in securing four NBA championships, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s premier shooting guards. However, his journey was not without setbacks. Thompson faced significant injuries, tearing his ACL and Achilles tendon in consecutive offseasons, which sidelined him for the entirety of the 2019-20 season and the one following.
Despite these hurdles, Thompson made a triumphant return and played a crucial role in the Warriors' 2022 championship run. His resilience and performance solidified his status as a vital contributor to the team’s success. Yet, the Warriors' front office had to make tough financial decisions, particularly with their eye on staying below the luxury-tax line.
It was revealed that Thompson was in the third season of a five-year, $189 million contract. The Warriors, meanwhile, had extended Jordan Poole with a $123 million deal and finalized a four-year, $100 million contract for Draymond Green. Despite their commitment to these players, the Warriors offered Thompson a two-year extension worth $48 million, an offer he subsequently turned down.
According to reports from 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.” This divergence in perspectives perhaps played a critical role in Thompson’s departure.
The split was reportedly a long time in the making. Slater noted, “It's been a layered five-year path to this divorce, splintering last season, sprouting earlier, and finalizing in the last couple weeks.” Among the factors that influenced this decision was a conversation between Thompson and Stephen Curry. As per league sources, Thompson requested Curry not to use his significant influence to pressure the front office into retaining Thompson. Slater elaborated, “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."
Ultimately, the answer to Thompson's departure lies in the middle ground. "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.'"
The Warriors’ brass considered numerous options to stay competitive while managing their salary cap, including the contemplation of trading for Paul George. However, with Thompson moving to Dallas, both he and the Warriors look to new horizons. Transitioning to the Mavericks presents Thompson an opportunity to showcase his talents in a fresh environment, while the Warriors must navigate the future without one of their most reliable and beloved players.
As the next NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Thompson and the Mavericks to see how this new chapter unfolds. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch how the Warriors adjust and how their strategic decisions play out on the court.