SUMMARY
- Klay Thompson has finalized a three-year $50 million deal with the Mavericks to join Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
- The Warriors had to deal with a disgruntled Thompson last season which was as bad as dealing with Draymond Green's erratic behavior.
It’s officially the end of one of the biggest eras in basketball as Klay Thompson officially signed a contract with the Dallas Mavericks, leaving the most successful franchise of the previous decade. The Golden State Warriors thrived starring Thompson alongside 2x MVP Steph Curry and former DPOY Draymond Green. Unfortunately, this core trio came undone for various reasons last season and the Warriors wound up missing the playoffs.
Thompson had four-year offers for more money, but taking less was offset by the chance to win a fifth championship with the Mavs and difference in state taxes. Agent Greg Lawrence of @wassbasketball led Thompson in serious talks with Mavs and Lakers, among others.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Thompson initially planned on signing a three-year $50 million deal with a player option to pick during the 2026-27 season. However, both parties finalized a straight three-year deal without a player option in his last year.
Fans react to Klay Thompson joining the Mavericks
The Warriors defined the sport of basketball during the 2010s and they still stand as one of the biggest franchises in the league. Klay Thompson had a monumental run with the organization by winning four titles while earning himself five NBA All-Stars and three All-NBA selections. The 34-year-old also established himself as one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history as well.
Luka has obtained a splash brother… https://t.co/04SYO87K5H
— NBA University (@NBA_University) July 1, 2024
Valuable Championship experience, defense and a much needed 3rd scoring option. LOVE this move for both.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 1, 2024
Welcome to Dallas Klay, hope you can get that 5th ring!
— Franklin (@franklinisbored) July 1, 2024
LMAOOOOO THEY GAVE LUKA A REAL SNIPER
— 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘢☆ (@Stunna999_) July 1, 2024
“Luka has obtained a splash brother,” said one fan. Another individual added, “Welcome to Dallas Klay, hope you can get that 5th ring!” With the level of impact Thompson has had on the league, fans can’t help but show him the love he deserves after a tragic end to his tenure in the Bay Area. Thompson averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 41.3% from deep in 13 years.
Klay Thompson’s locker room antics were as bad as Draymond Green’s behavior claims source
It turns out, that Klay Thompson also rejected offers with higher value just to settle for a team that could potentially win a championship next season. Wojnarowski stated that a few four-year deals were placed on the table and may have included an offer from the LA Lakers as well. This sign-and-trade deal from the Mavericks sent Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets and brought them two-second picks instead, one of which will be sent to the Warriors.
Klay Thompson’s antics behind the scenes have been ‘equally exhausting’ as Draymond Green’s, per @JDumasReports
“Klay has been equally as exhausting behind the scenes. It’s not as loud. It’s not as loud because it’s not you stomping on someone’s chest. If he’s slamming stuff on… pic.twitter.com/fnUYEywY5Z
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 1, 2024
Considering that Thompson could’ve gotten the same offer from the Warriors, it turns out there were reasons why the franchise chose to let him go. Jason Dumars of 957 The Game stated that Thompson’s antics were just as bad as Green’s despite it not being visible to the public. The Warriors also planned on bringing Thompson off the bench next season to replace Brandin Podziemski, who was put in the veteran’s place in the starting lineup.