Klay Thompson has been ready for a new challenge.
The five-time All-Star reportedly agreed to sign a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks in unrestricted free agency, which will end his 11-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors.
While that move wasn’t always expected, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported that Thompson had made his decision to leave Golden State before free agency began.
“There was little communication between Thompson, the Warriors and Thompson’s agent, Greg Lawrence, and ultimately no offer in this cycle,” Slater wrote. “Warriors sources maintained a plan to eventually make a competitive offer in relation to his market once other business was settled. But they never had the chance. Many league sources said Thompson’s decision to depart was unofficially made weeks ago.”
Thompson’s time with the Warriors was wildly successful. He helped lead the franchise to four NBA titles and six Finals appearances. The Warriors have been a formidable foe in the Western Conference for the majority of his time with the franchise, but that window of contention could be closing.
Golden State went 46-36 and fell in the play-in tournament in 2023-24. That, combined with Thompson and Chris Paul’s departures, paints an uncertain future for the franchise.
The Mavericks, Thompson’s new team, are in a much different situation. Dallas went 50-32 and advanced to the NBA Finals before losing to the Boston Celtics in five games. Adding Thompson, who averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 2023-24, should be a huge addition to a team looking to win now.