The end of an era: Klay Thompson signs with the Dallas Mavericks
In a stunning move that has sent ripples through the NBA, Klay Thompson has signed with the Dallas Mavericks, ending his storied tenure with the Golden State Warriors.
A New Beginning in Dallas
Thompson agreed to a three-year contract valued at $50 million, a significant shift from his previous contract with Golden State. The deal marks the beginning of a new chapter for Thompson, who spent 13 years with the Warriors, a period that saw incredible highs and debilitating lows.
A Glorious Legacy
During his time with the Warriors, Thompson etched his name into the annals of NBA history, winning four championships and playing a pivotal role in the team’s 2022 title victory. However, his journey was riddled with injuries that significantly impacted his career. Thompson suffered a torn ACL and Achilles tendon in consecutive summers, causing him to miss back-to-back seasons in 2019-20 and the following year. Despite these setbacks, Thompson's resilience and skill remained evident, contributing to his legacy as one of the game's elite shooters.
Contract Conundrums
Thompson’s departure from the Warriors was not without its complications. He was in the third season of a five-year, $189 million contract when the Warriors extended Jordan Poole with a $123 million contract and finalized a four-year, $100 million deal for Draymond Green last summer.
Before the last season, the Warriors offered Thompson a two-year, $48 million extension, which he declined. Thompson's refusal to accept this offer hinted at growing friction between him and the Warriors' management. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, “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.”
Splintered Relations
The relationship between Thompson and the Warriors began to fray over the last five years, with tensions coming to a head last season. Slater reports that Thompson found himself removed from starting and closing lineups at various points, which likely influenced his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere. The Warriors, who were aiming to get below the luxury-tax line, may have inadvertently pushed Thompson away with their financial and strategic decisions.
Adding to the complexity, Thompson requested that Stephen Curry not use his significant organizational influence to ensure his return. “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. 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,” Slater wrote.
A Bitter End
Ultimately, the Warriors’ and Thompson's differing valuations of his worth led to a parting of ways. Slater poignantly encapsulates this sentiment: “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.’”
Looking Ahead
Thompson's move to the Mavericks signifies not just the end of an era for the Warriors but the beginning of a promising new chapter for Dallas. The Mavericks have acquired a player of immense talent, experience, and championship pedigree. For Klay Thompson, this is an opportunity to cement his legacy in a new city, with a fresh start and renewed vigor. The NBA world will keenly watch how this new partnership unfolds, as Thompson aims to bring his championship experience and sharpshooting prowess to the Mavericks' quest for glory.