The Splash Brothers are breaking up.
Monday marks the end of an era, as star forward Klay Thompson heads to the Mavericks in a multi-team sign-and-trade deal involving the Warriors and Hornets. By Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Thompson’s time with Golden State was already set in stone. Now, it has become a reality after he agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas. The deal is “not close” to being finalized, By Chris Haynes of Bleacher Reportas the Warriors still need to negotiate Thompson’s return.
Either way, the result will mean the four-time NBA champion’s departure from the franchise that selected him 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Why did Thompson leave the Warriors and what does that mean for the Mavericks? Jugo Mobile explains below.
NOH: Evaluating the blockbuster Klay Thompson trade with the Mavericks
Why did Klay Thompson leave the Warriors for the Mavericks?
Thompson’s departure from Golden State became the worst kept secret of free agency.
There were several reports throughout the 2023-24 season that Thompson’s time with the Warriors could be coming to an end. Those rumors grew even louder when The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported that “there have been no productive discussions between the Warriors and Thompson or his representatives” just days before free agency began.
“It’s increasingly possible that Thompson will decide to leave anyway, seeking a fresh start in a different environment, away from some of the built-up friction of the past two seasons,” Slater added.
Thompson built a Hall of Fame career for 13 seasons with the Warriors. He and Stephen Curry changed the trajectory of the sport with their three-point shooting spree, winning four NBA titles in the process.
However, Thompson’s relationship with Golden State faltered in recent seasons. It was clear he wasn’t the same player after recovering from ACL and Achilles injuries, and his role was reduced because of that. The five-time All-Star was relegated to a backup role in the second half of last season, a decision he didn’t take kindly to.
When the Warriors failed to qualify for the 2024 NBA Playoffs, reality set in: It could be the end of the dynasty’s core. By the time Thompson’s unrestricted free agency came around, it was a foregone conclusion.
After it was made official that Thompson would be moving on, the Warriors published a statement which revealed that the franchise would retire Thompson’s number 11, adding that “the amount of joy and happiness Klay has provided to Warriors fans, Bay Area natives and Dub Nation followers around the world has been immense and cannot be understated.”
Thompson reportedly met with the Mavericks and Lakers, but chose Dallas in pursuit of a possible fifth championship ring. Both teams could have offered him a similar amount of money, but the Mavericks fell just three wins short of an NBA title last season.
Thompson felt Dallas was his best chance to prove he can still be a key piece on the road to the NBA Finals.
How Klay Thompson fits with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks
It’s pretty easy to see how Thompson could thrive alongside Doncic and Irving.
Even with his post-injury limitations, Thompson remains one of the best shooters in NBA history. He has a career 41.3 three-point shooting percentage. Sixth most triples of all time.
In a “down year” last season, he still shot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and 38.1 percent on catch-and-shoot triples.
With the departure of Derrick Jones Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas needed more perimeter shooting. Thompson is a clear upgrade from those two options who struggled at various points in their run to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Josh Green is reportedly headed to Charlotte in the deal, but the Mavericks have added other forwards in Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes during the offseason. Those two will be asked to fill the defensive void left by Jones and Green because Thompson is nowhere near the player who was once chosen for an All-Defensive Team.
Thompson’s offensive contributions will be a relief to Dallas’ two stars, but his lack of mobility on defense could be a concern come playoff time.
What Klay Thompson’s decision means for the Warriors
The Warriors have already begun to change their attitude following Thompson’s departure.
While awaiting his return in the Thompson sign-and-trade, Golden State Signed two-way guard De’Anthony Melton on a one-year, $12.8 million contract. Melton will not occupy a starting spot, but will provide depth off the bench.
The Warriors are expected to be active in the trade market, with players such as Andrew Wiggins reportedly available. Golden State has also appeared in trade rumors for All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, if Utah looks to trade its most important piece.
On the immediate roster, look for second-year forward Brandin Podziemski and 22-year-old forward Moses Moody to take on a larger role, pending other transactions this offseason.