Klay Thompson is set to join the Dallas Mavericks in a multi-team sign-and-trade deal involving the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets. This news was reported by ESPN on Monday, adding Thompson to the roster alongside stars like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks, who made it to the NBA Finals last season, are hoping that Thompson’s addition will strengthen their backcourt.
Thompson has been with the Warriors for his entire NBA career so far, having been drafted as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. During his time in Golden State, Thompson has won four championships and has been selected as an All-Star five times, with his most recent appearance in 2019.
The decision for Thompson to leave the Warriors as an unrestricted free agent came after both parties were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. In 2019, Thompson signed a five-year, $189.9 million deal with the Warriors after recovering from an ACL injury he suffered during the NBA Finals that year. Unfortunately, Thompson had to sit out the following two seasons due to injury.
Last season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game in 77 appearances, with 14 of those games coming off the bench. This was a change for Thompson, who had not played in a bench role since his rookie season. The addition of Thompson to the Mavericks’ lineup is expected to bring experience, scoring, and defensive prowess to the team.
Fans of the NBA and the Mavericks will be eager to see how Thompson fits in with his new teammates and contributes to the team’s success on the court. With his shooting skills and championship experience, Thompson could be a valuable asset in the Mavericks’ quest for another shot at the NBA Finals.
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