Klay Thompson, the five-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion, has agreed to take his talents to the Dallas Mavericks, signing a three-year, $50 million deal. This marks the end of an era, as Thompson has spent his entire career up until now with the Golden State Warriors.
End of an Era
The agreement didn't come without its share of complications. Initial holdups centered around what the Golden State Warriors would receive in the deal. Those issues have since been resolved, paving the way for the move to officially go through as a sign-and-trade. As part of the deal, Josh Green will be sent to the Charlotte Hornets while the Warriors will receive two second-round picks.
The Warriors' decision not to bring back Thompson marks a significant shift in their strategy. Last offseason, they offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million contract, which he ultimately rejected. This decision ushers in a new phase for Golden State, heavily relying on younger talent such as rookie shooting guard Brandin Podziemski. The Warriors also made significant investments in their current roster, providing Draymond Green with a four-year, $100 million deal and Jordan Poole with a four-year, $128 million contract.
Legacy and Achievements
Klay Thompson leaves the Warriors with a legacy that will be hard to match. He has the third-most playoff wins as a trio in NBA history alongside Draymond Green and Stephen Curry, boasting 98 wins. Only Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Cooper from the Lakers' dynasty era, and the Spurs' trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili have surpassed this feat with 110 and 126 playoff wins, respectively.
Thompson is also sixth on the NBA's all-time list for three-pointers made, with 2,481. The only player ahead of him from the current era is none other than his long-time teammate Stephen Curry, who tops the list with 3,747 three-pointers. These are not just numbers; they capture the essence of Thompson's impact and his critical role in the Warriors' dominance over the past decade.
Future Prospects for the Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks, who managed only 106.7 points per 100 possessions during the NBA Finals, are looking to use Thompson's prolific scoring ability to elevate their gameplay. Thompson had reportedly been linked to other teams, including the Lakers and the Clippers, but both faced their challenges. The Lakers were a Play-In team last season, while the Clippers struggled after losing Paul George.
For the Mavericks, securing Thompson could be the pivotal move that boosts their competitiveness in the Western Conference. His experience, leadership, and shooting acumen are assets any team would covet.
As the new chapter unfolds, both Thompson and the Mavericks face an intriguing season ahead. The Warriors' pivot towards younger talent underscores their commitment to future prospects, while the Mavericks aim to harness the energy and expertise of one of the NBA's elite shooters.