Klay Thompson Leaves Warriors, Inks Three-Year Deal with Mavericks

Klay Thompson, a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, has agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, ending an iconic era in the Bay Area.

After a remarkable 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson has embarked on a new chapter in his storied NBA career, signing a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. This historic departure marks the first time Thompson has become a free agent and ends an era that saw him become one of the league's most revered shooters alongside Stephen Curry.

Despite playing his most games since the 2018-19 season, Thompson's 17.9 points per game in the past season were his lowest since the 2012-13 campaign. Additionally, it was just the second time in his career that he shot below 40% from three-point range.

Klay Thompson Leaves Warriors, Inks Three-Year Deal with Mavericks

The Mavericks, who reached the NBA Finals this season, are hopeful that Thompson's exceptional shooting ability will complement the talents of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, forming a formidable trio. However, not everyone has embraced Thompson's decision to join Dallas, particularly his father, Mychal Thompson.

Mychal, the 1978 NBA No. 1 overall pick who spent his final five seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, expressed his disappointment that his son did not choose to join the Lakers. He admitted that he had been actively recruiting Klay until the 11th hour, believing that it would be the perfect fit for his son to "come back home."

Klay Thompson Leaves Warriors, Inks Three-Year Deal with Mavericks

Despite his father's wishes, Klay Thompson chose the Mavericks, a decision that has drawn a mixed reaction. Alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson formed one of the greatest shooting tandems in NBA history, the "Splash Brothers." Together, they led the Warriors to four NBA championships, solidifying their place among the league's elite.

With Thompson's departure, Curry becomes the longest-tenured player on the Warriors roster. Thompson's 2,481 three-pointers made rank sixth all-time, and he is poised to surpass Reggie Miller (fifth with 2,560) and potentially Ray Allen (second, 2,973). Only two active players, James Harden and Damian Lillard, have made more three-pointers than Thompson.

Klay Thompson Leaves Warriors, Inks Three-Year Deal with Mavericks

Thompson's departure from the Warriors marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in his career. While some may question his decision to leave Golden State, his impact on the team and the NBA as a whole will not soon be forgotten.