Klay Thompson could have brought a piece of the Bay Area with him to Dallas—a Boston Whaler to cruise the local lakes, perhaps. But the four-time NBA champion and new Dallas Maverick thought better of it. Instead, he’s embracing Dallas for what it is: a fresh start in a different city, far from the routine of Golden State.
“There’s no need for a boat,” Thompson told ESPN recently, sitting in his locker at the American Airlines Center, nestled between teammates Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. “I got enough cold-water boating in the Bay to last me some years.”
Finding His Rhythm in Dallas
Thompson’s transition from Golden State, his home for 13 years, to Dallas marks the end of an era and the start of something he felt was overdue. His time with the Warriors included the highest of highs—four NBA championships, countless playoff battles, and iconic moments beside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. But after enduring multiple injuries and an evolving role over his last five seasons, Thompson felt the need to explore something new.
“Uncertainty can bear on you,” Thompson admitted. After nearly returning to form in 2022, his role on the Warriors shifted, and doubt crept in. “Every pro athlete’s human,” he continued, noting how the past season’s questions about his future weighed on him. So, when free agency opened, Thompson chose Dallas over the Los Angeles Lakers, believing the Mavericks could bring him closer to his fifth championship. It was a chance he needed—a chance to show that, at 34, he could still be pivotal on a contender.
Lessons from His Heroes
Leaving a storied franchise for a new challenge isn’t unprecedented. Thompson found inspiration in the likes of Scottie Pippen, who, at 34, joined the Portland Trail Blazers after his dynasty years with the Chicago Bulls. For a young Thompson growing up in Portland, Pippen was an icon.
“That was like the best day of my life,” he recalled, reminiscing about the day Pippen joined the Blazers. “He was three minutes away from a Finals appearance,” Thompson noted, remembering how Pippen’s legacy continued even after leaving Chicago.
For Thompson, Dallas offers a similar opportunity. His respect for his Warriors legacy is unwavering, but like Shaquille O’Neal winning a ring with Miami or Tom Brady with Tampa Bay, Thompson sees the Mavericks as a chance to add another chapter to his own legacy.
A New Routine and a Familiar Feeling
Thompson’s adjustment in Dallas is an evolution in routine. Gone are the pregame sessions with Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco; now, Mavericks coach Jared Dudley stands in his place. And in Dallas, his practice soundtrack is often interrupted by Balkan pop—a nod to Slovenian star Luka Dončić. It’s an adjustment, to be sure, but one Thompson seems to embrace with calm.
His new teammate, Kyrie Irving, who has experienced several high-profile moves himself, understands the shift. “It’s routine, routine—and then you’re in a new city,” Irving said, reflecting on the familiar disorientation that comes with a franchise change.
And while the city and teammates are different, Thompson’s impact remains. Dallas head coach Jason Kidd describes it as an “82-game journey” to blend Thompson’s off-ball movement with the Mavericks’ pick-and-roll-heavy offense. Thompson is known for his relentless movement, which creates space for catch-and-shoot moments, a style the Mavericks hope will elevate their current stars.
Building Chemistry and Gaining Momentum
The early results are promising. In his debut, Thompson put up 22 points, hitting six threes, and setting a Dallas record for three-pointers made in a franchise debut. He and Dončić quickly connected, with the young star feeding Thompson on multiple threes. This synergy brought a fresh wave of optimism to Dallas fans and underscored Thompson’s continued prowess as a shooter.
“From an on-court standpoint, it’s been even easier playing with such great talent,” Thompson said, noting the compatibility between his style and Dallas’ needs.
But the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Currently averaging 13.8 points per game—the lowest since his rookie season—Thompson has encountered some inconsistency, as Kidd had anticipated. His three-point percentage, hovering at a career-low 35.4%, reflects the adjustment period, yet the Mavericks believe that as chemistry builds, those numbers will rise.
Looking Back with Gratitude, Not Regret
While some athletes leave franchises with resentment, Thompson harbors no hard feelings. Despite moments of uncertainty in his final season, he chose his departure on his own terms. A brief extension conversation with Golden State, reportedly for two years and $47 million, never materialized. Instead, the Warriors focused on re-signing Green and pursued Buddy Hield to fill Thompson’s void.
“I’m so grateful for everything I experienced at Golden State,” he said, reflecting on his years with Curry, Green, and Iguodala. His connection with them runs deep—built not only on championships but on countless hours of camaraderie and competition.
When it came time to say goodbye, Thompson asked his core teammates not to sway the front office into an eleventh-hour bid. It was time to move forward.
The Path Forward: More Than Just Basketball
In Dallas, Thompson’s role transcends the court. He’s found a city and team that value his championship mindset and experience. Healthy for the first time in years and free from the pressures of impending contract talks, he feels rejuvenated.
As the Mavericks sit at 5-5 heading into a game against his former team in San Francisco, Thompson reflects with gratitude. He’s found peace in his decision, and the team has high hopes that his presence can help push them to new heights. For Thompson, Dallas isn’t merely the next stop—it’s the fresh start he wanted to close out his career on his own terms.
