After a remarkable 13-year tenure with the four-time champion Golden State Warriors, free agency guard Klay Thompson has agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, sources told ESPN on Monday.
The opportunity to play for a fifth championship with the Western Conference champion Mavericks was a major factor in Thompson’s decision to sign.
In order to complete the deal, which was mediated by his agent, Wasserman’s Greg Lawrence, two second-round picks went to the Warriors and Mavericks guard/forward Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets in a multiteam sign-and-trade.
According to a source, Dallas is sending the least advantageous second-round pick in 2025—that of the 76ers or Nuggets—along with its own 2031 second-round pick.
To discuss the specifics of a Thompson-Mavericks alliance, Lawrence and Thompson met with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and vice president Michael Finley at the Bottle Inn in Hermosa Beach, California.
Although Thompson was very interested in the Lakers, he ultimately decided to move to Texas rather than California due to cost savings and the fact that the Mavericks were only three wins away from an NBA championship, according to sources.
Due to contract negotiations and his impending free agency, Thompson’s relationship with the Warriors grew more tense in the final season of his incredible 13-year career. As the season went on, the likelihood of him leaving increased.
His discontent increased during the season as his position on the club changed, exemplified by his removal from the starting lineup in early February and subsequent benching that same month.
Last season, Thompson, 34, had his lowest point average since 2012–13, at 17.9.
His legacy in the Warriors and NBA is solidified as his time there comes to a conclusion. Sixth most wins by a trio in history were achieved by Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green together, with 518 victories in the regular season and playoffs. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, their four championships are matched with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker for the most by an All-NBA trio over the past 50 seasons. Their combined 98 postseason victories rank third in NBA history.
In a statement released on Monday, the Warriors wished Thompson well and expressed their excitement about retiring his No. 11 jersey.
“The amount of joy and happiness that Klay provided Warriors fans, Bay Area natives and Dub Nation supporters all around the world has been immense and cannot be minimized,” said the statement. “A career has been defined by his propensity to perform under pressure on the largest stage, including numerous heroics in Game 6.
“Klay’s legacy will endure forever, and we eagerly anticipate the day when we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will be among the many Warriors legends who have shaped the team’s recent success, including himself.
“We thank Klay for his contributions and wish him the best as another chapter in his journey is written.”
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