This news has been spreading for months and it finally happened. Klay Thompson left the Warriors for the Mavericks in free agency.
ESPNAdrian Wojnarowski breaks down the finer details of the trade.
“The deal, negotiated with his agent, Greg Lawrence of Wasserman, required a multi-team sign-and-trade to send Mavericks guard/forward Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets and two second-round picks to the Warriors. Dallas is sending its own 2031 second-round pick to the deal, a source said.
If Klay Thompson had been a Maverick in this year’s Finals, Dallas would have beaten Boston. His big-game experience, big catch-and-shoot phase and all-around timing would make a difference for Tim Hardaway Jr. he can’t anymore. If only Jerry Jones would make a move like this.
– Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 1, 2024
The Lakers were also the frontrunners to get the four-time champion and LeBron James reportedly even took a big deal in his new contract with LA, so that the franchise could sign a player like Klay.
But the Dubs guard decided to sign with the Mavs instead.
There were many factors that influenced Thompson’s decision, but the main reason was about winning another chip.
“Thompson’s deal was motivated by the opportunity to fight for a fifth title with the Western Conference champion Mavericks,” said Wojnarowski.
“…The Lakers were very interested in Thompson, but the money saved by staying in Texas over California and the fact that the Mavericks have won three NBA championships were big factors in his decision, sources said.”
The 34-year-old has been unhappy and frustrated with his role, as well as the contract negotiations that have taken place in recent months with the Warriors.
Even if Thompson decided to return to Golden State, he would come off the bench in favor of 21-year-old Brandin Podziemski, Yahoo SportsJake Fischer reports.
“If Thompson were to return to Golden State, the Warriors plan to move Thompson off the bench behind sophomore guard Brandin Podziemski, sources said, after Golden State started its prized rookie with a solid performance in the second half of last season,” said Fischer.
