After a legendary 13-year career in the Bay Area, Klay Thompson will have to get used to a new place and a new jersey number.
The veteran Warriors forward signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks via a sign-and-trade agreement, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday. The move marked a sudden end to one of the most successful tenures with a single franchise in league history.
During his glittering tenure with Golden State, Thompson was a force. He racked up five All-Star appearances, two All-NBA selections and, most notably, four championship rings.
Thompson did all of that while sporting a familiar digit on his back: the number 11, an integer that has been significant throughout his life. While the Warriors Announced Just as no one else will wear Thompson’s No. 11 in Golden State, he won’t do so in Dallas, either. Here’s why.
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Why can’t Klay Thompson wear number 11 with the Mavericks?
The reason Thompson, 34, won’t be wearing No. 11 is simple: It belongs to someone else.
Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was given the number after spending his first half-season in Dallas wearing No. 2.
Irving, an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and NBA champion, has an impressive resume. Thompson isn’t star enough to displace Irving as the starting No. 11. The Washington State product will have to settle for another digit.
What number will Klay Thompson wear with the Mavericks?
Thompson and his new organization have not yet decided what number he will wear in his new home. However, there is one number he might be forced to wear.
During his high school and college days, Thompson wore the number 1 with great success. Thompson’s college career was a brilliant one, with the former Cougar twice earning All-Pac-12 honors for his exploits. He was eventually inducted into the Washington State Hall of Fame, with his jersey number being retired in the process.
Similar showings with the Mavs would represent a nice return on Dallas’ investment.
Klay Thompson Jersey Number History
Thompson has worn only one jersey number during his professional career: No. 11. However, he did wear No. 1 while at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and Washington State.
| Number | Years | Equipment) |
| eleven | 2011-2024 | Warriors |
| ? | Present | Dissidents |
Mavericks Retired Numbers
Four former Dallas players received top recognition for their contributions to the franchise, including former MVP and future Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki.
Let us look at those whose fingers have been thrown into the rafters.
| Number | Player | Years with the 76ers |
| 12 | Derek Harper | 1983-1994 |
| fifteen | Brad Davis | 1980-1992 |
| 22 | Rolando Blackman | 1981-1992 |
| 41 | Dirk Nowitzki | 1998-2019 |
