Klay Thompson reflects on move from Golden State Warriors to Dallas Mavericks

This summer marked the end of an era as Klay Thompson left the Golden State Warriors after he was unable to agree on a new contract with the team.

Thompson, a future Hall of Famer, was involved in a massive sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks, where he will join forces with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

While it will be strange for fans to see Thompson in a different jersey, he expressed a sense of purpose in his decision to move on. Speaking to the media on Tuesday after being introduced by the Mavericks, Thompson shared his thoughts on the transition.

“Sometimes, breakups are necessary to do what’s right, and I’m not the first athlete in the NBA to go through this,” Thompson said, reflecting on the end of his long tenure with the Warriors.

Thompson drew a parallel to his childhood, recalling, “I did grow up in Portland, and I remember when Scottie Pippen came to the Blazers, that was, like, the biggest day of my life. And I’m not saying I’m Scottie, but they were right there, against the Lakers, almost won a chip.”

He continued, “I take a lot of inspiration from past athletes and how their careers might have gone astray when they either left a team or joined a new team, and some guys thrive. And I look forward to just kind of being rejuvenated here. A lot of good basketball left in the tank.”

Thompson’s performance with the Warriors in the 2023–24 season was solid, with him shooting 43.2% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc, and 92.7% from the free-throw line. He averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.

Drafted by the Warriors as the eleventh overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Thompson, a Washington State graduate, had an illustrious career with the team. He was a five-time All-Star, made two All-NBA teams, and one All-Defensive team, and was a key contributor to four championship victories.

As he prepares to turn 35 next season, Thompson’s career averages stand at 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. His move to the Mavericks marks a new chapter, and Thompson is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.