Klay Thompson to join Mavericks on 3-year, $50M deal

Free agent guard Klay Thompson has decided to leave the Golden State Warriors after a storied 13-year career and join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday, July 1 2024.

Thompson, a four-time NBA champion with the Warriors, sought a new challenge with the Mavericks, aiming to compete for a fifth championship in the Western Conference.

The deal involved a complex multiteam sign-and-trade arrangement, which saw Mavericks guard/forward Josh Green traded to the Charlotte Hornets along with two second-round picks going to the Warriors.

Dallas also included their own 2031 second-round pick and the least favorable of the 76ers or Nuggets’ 2025 second-round pick in the transaction.

Negotiations for Thompson’s move were led by his agent, Greg Lawrence of Wasserman, and included detailed discussions with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and VP Michael Finley at the Bottle Inn in Hermosa Beach, California.

While the Los Angeles Lakers also showed strong interest in Thompson, he ultimately chose Dallas due to financial advantages of living in Texas over California and the Mavericks’ recent deep playoff run, coming within three wins of an NBA championship, sources added.

Thompson’s departure from the Warriors was anticipated following strained contract talks and fluctuating roles throughout the past season. Despite averaging 17.9 points per game, his lowest since 2012-13, Thompson leaves a lasting legacy in Golden State.

Alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Thompson helped the Warriors achieve 518 combined regular season and playoff wins, ranking sixth all-time among trios.

Their 98 playoff victories together stand third in NBA history, and their four titles match legends Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker’s record for the most by an All-NBA trio in the last 50 seasons.

In a statement, the Warriors expressed gratitude to Thompson, acknowledging his pivotal role in their recent dynasty and announcing plans to retire his iconic No. 11 jersey at Chase Center.

“Klay’s legacy will endure forever, defined by his clutch performances and Game 6 heroics that brought immense joy to Dub Nation and basketball fans worldwide,” the Warriors’ statement read. “We thank Klay for his unparalleled contributions and wish him continued success in his next chapter.”