After 13 seasons and four championships with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson has started a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks. The 34-year-old sharpshooter joins superstars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, seeking a fresh start and an opportunity to prove he can still be a pivotal piece on a title-contending team. His move marks the end of a legendary era in the Bay Area and the beginning of a new challenge in Dallas.
A Conscious Choice for a Fresh Start
The decision to leave the Golden State Warriors was not an easy one, but for Klay Thompson, it felt necessary. After several years marked by major injuries and a shifting role on the team, the veteran guard felt the weight of uncertainty about his future. He saw free agency as a chance to redefine his career on his own terms.
Thompson chose the Dallas Mavericks over other suitors like the Los Angeles Lakers, believing Dallas gave him the best shot at a fifth NBA championship. He drew inspiration from other sports legends who found success after leaving the teams that made them famous, like Scottie Pippen with the Trail Blazers or Tom Brady with the Buccaneers.
“Uncertainty can bear on you,” Thompson explained, noting how questions about his future with the Warriors affected him. This move represents a chance to escape that pressure and find rejuvenation in a new environment.
Adjusting to a New System and City
Life in Dallas is understandably different from his long-established routine in the Bay Area. Thompson is trading pregame work with Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco for sessions with Mavericks coach Jared Dudley. Even the practice music has changed, with Luka Dončić’s Balkan pop now part of the soundtrack.
His new role involves integrating his signature off-ball movement into the Mavericks’ pick-and-roll-heavy offense led by Dončić and Irving. Head coach Jason Kidd views this as an “82-game journey” to build chemistry. The goal is for Thompson’s constant motion to create open looks for himself and space for his star teammates. Key adjustments include:
- Learning a new offensive system focused on Dončić and Irving.
- Building on-court chemistry with a new set of teammates.
- Adapting to a new coaching staff and daily routines.
Teammate Kyrie Irving, who has experienced several franchise changes himself, understands the transition. “It’s routine, routine—and then you’re in a new city,” Irving said, acknowledging the adjustment period Thompson is navigating.
Early Highs and Statistical Lows
Thompson’s debut with the Mavericks offered a glimpse of his potential impact. He exploded for 22 points and hit six three-pointers, setting a new franchise record for threes made in a debut. The immediate chemistry with Luka Dončić, who assisted on several of his shots, created a wave of excitement in Dallas.
However, the transition has also come with challenges. Thompson is still finding his consistency within the new offense, and his numbers reflect this adjustment period. As the team continues to build chemistry, the coaching staff is confident his efficiency will improve.
| Statistic | Mavericks Debut | Current Season Average |
| Points | 22 | 13.8 |
| Three-Pointers Made | 6 | N/A |
| Three-Point Percentage | N/A | 35.4% (Career Low) |
Despite the early inconsistency, Thompson says playing alongside such talented creators has made the on-court adjustment easier. The team remains optimistic that his shooting prowess will become a major asset as the season progresses.
No Regrets, Only Gratitude for the Past
While some athletes leave their long-time teams with bitterness, Klay Thompson’s departure from Golden State was amicable. He holds deep gratitude for his 13 years with the organization, cherishing the championships and camaraderie shared with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala.
When contract extension talks with the Warriors for a reported two-year, $47 million deal stalled, Thompson made peace with moving on. The Warriors shifted their focus, re-signing Green and acquiring Buddy Hield.
In a final act of closure, Thompson asked his core teammates not to lobby the front office for a last-minute offer. He knew it was time for a new beginning. “I’m so grateful for everything I experienced at Golden State,” he stated, emphasizing there are no hard feelings. For Thompson, the move to Dallas is about embracing the future while honoring his incredible legacy.
