Klay Thompson is Leaving the Warriors to Join the Mavericks

Klay Thompson has worn his Golden State jersey for the last time, and the Warriors have announced they will retire it to honor his time with the team. Thompson is moving on, agreeing to join the Dallas Mavericks, the reigning Western Conference champions, marking the first franchise change in his 13-year NBA career. Two sources with knowledge of the decision confirmed this on Monday.

According to ESPN and The Athletic

The deal will be a sign-and-trade involving the Warriors, Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets. As of now, the details have not been officially announced, so the Warriors did not mention Dallas in their tribute statement on Monday night. The statement highlighted Klay Thompson “incredible and legendary contributions” to the team, noting that “the amount of joy and happiness that Klay provided Warriors fans … cannot be minimized.”

The Warriors praised Klay Thompson clutch performances, especially his Game 6 heroics, stating, “Klay’s legacy will live on forever and we look forward to the day we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will join a host of Warriors immortals, including those who helped shape this recent dynasty — himself included.”

Thompson ranks sixth on the NBA’s all-time list for three-pointers made, with 2,481, following Reggie Miller (2,560), Damian Lillard (2,607), James Harden (2,940), Ray Allen (2,973), and his now-former “Splash Brother,” Stephen Curry, who leads with 3,747.

Signs of a possible breakup between Thompson and the Warriors appeared last season. Thompson came off the bench 14 times, a notable change since his rookie season in 2011-12. He shot 38.7% from three-point range, the second-worst of his career, and averaged 17.9 points, the third-lowest. His season—and Warriors career—ended with a 0-for-10 shooting performance against Sacramento in a play-in tournament loss. After that game, Thompson took a long look around the court, perhaps sensing it was his final game with the Warriors.

Thompson, a five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection, missed two entire seasons due to injuries. He now joins a Dallas team fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, aiming to support Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

“We thank Klay for his contributions and wish him the best as another chapter in his journey is written,” the Warriors said.

As part of the deal, the Hornets are planning to acquire guard Josh Green, giving up two second-round draft picks. Green, the 15th overall pick in the 2020 draft, has spent his four NBA seasons with the Mavericks, averaging 8.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this past season.

The league’s moratorium on signings and most other offseason movements will be lifted on Saturday.

Maxey, Harris, Hartenstein Land Deals

Monday was significant for several undervalued players entering the NBA, with Tyrese Maxey, Derrick White, Isaiah Hartenstein, Tobias Harris, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins set to sign deals worth a combined $565 million.

Tyrese Maxey, an NBA All-Star last season, agreed in principle to a five-year, $204 million extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, ensuring he will play alongside Joel Embiid and soon-to-be-signed Paul George. The 76ers, aiming to compete with the Boston Celtics, also agreed with guard Derrick White on a four-year, $125 million extension. White averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists last season.

Isaiah Hartenstein, following a breakout year, is leaving New York for Oklahoma City on an $87 million, three-year deal that includes an option. The Thunder, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference last season, also finalized extensions with Joe ($48 million) and Wiggins ($47 million).

Tobias Harris is heading to Detroit on a two-year, $52 million deal, bringing valuable experience to the young Pistons as they continue their rebuild under newly hired coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

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