Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson Heading To Mavericks, Rejecting LeBron James' Pitch
Coming into the first week of NBA free agency, one of the hottest available names was longtime Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson.
The Splash Brothers dynasty, dominated by Klay and Steph Curry from the 3-point line, ended Monday when Thompson and the Warriors agreed to send him to the Mavericks. The deal was completed after Dallas sent two second-round picks to the Warriors. Thompson is expected to sign a three-year, $50 million deal.
The move wasn't much of a reach for Dallas, who were set on adding to their roster after a surprise run to the NBA Finals this recent postseason. However, Klay's decision to choose Dallas over the Los Angeles Lakers was another reminder that LA is no longer the preferred destination for free agents.
Also, Chiefs MVP Patrick Mahomes was certainly excited about the pickup for his Mavs.
Klay Thompson Headed To Dallas Makes Sense
Yes, we're aware that Thompson has been a diminished player after his run of injuries from 2019 to 2021, but as one of the top five three-point shooters of all time, Klay's value in this league can extend for several more years beyond his prime.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates his three-point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies in the fourth quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals at Chase Center on May 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
For a player dubbed as injury-prone, Thompson played a fairly healthy season last year, appearing in 77 games. Toward the end of the season, Thompson started coming off the bench for the Warriors. He still averaged 17.9 points per game. Thompson has a career 3-point shooting percentage of 41.3.
A $50 million contract for a guy on the latter end of his career may seem like overspending, though that's simply the modern NBA market. Since Sunday's free agency period opened, both stars and guys riding the bench have been getting paid big money.
Thompson concludes a 13-year tenure with the Warriors, securing four championships and establishing one of the few dynasties in basketball history.
LA Missed Out Big With Klay Thompson
Thompson's move to Dallas is a piercing indictment of the Lakers superstar LeBron James, who tried to convince Klay to join the Purple and Gold.
Klay Thompson's camp reportedly considered offers from the Mavericks, Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers before his ultimate decision. After the NBA Finals ended, LeBron, 39, reportedly contacted Thompson, giving him a pitch to move on from Golden State and head to the Southland.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 15: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a three point shot during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on February 15, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Dallas had frequently been mentioned as a strong suitor to land Thompson. Not only did Klay dodge LeBron's invite to the Lakers, but he pivoted toward playing with longtime LBJ teammate Kyrie Irving instead. … It's difficult to argue against Kyrie and the Mavericks burning LeBron with this signing … just a bad look for James.
It also speaks to the increasing dysfunction that the Lakers put out for the league and free agents to consider. The Lakers kicked off a vital offseason by hiring JJ Redick as their next coach and drafting Bronny James in the draft.
You'd be pressed to find a free agent that's buying into that situation.
Dallas presented a more appealing prospect for 34-year-old Thompson to invest in before retiring, sooner rather than later.
(Is Klay Thompson still a valuable player in 2024? Are the Lakers screwed? … Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)
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