The Dallas Mavericks had a successful summer, completing a sign-and-trade deal for Klay Thompson, perhaps the largest free-agency acquisition in franchise history.
They don’t look to be finished yet. Nevertheless, the signing is cause for celebration because Dallas was the only other highly accomplished free agent to have previously selected the former star of the Golden State Warriors.
It was a brilliant move for the franchise to get a four-time champion who seems like a perfect fit, especially since the Mavs faced stiff competition in the Klay Thompson sweepstakes.
5 Key reasons Klay Thompson boldly signed with Mavericks over Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers were a contender for him as well, and if circumstances had worked out differently, they very well might have succeeded. Though his father may not agree, Thompson’s better alternative ended up being Dallas.
Surprisingly, the Lakers made the five-time All-Star a greater offer. Although he ultimately signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavs, he had the option to sign a four-year, $80 million contract with the Purple and Gold and play with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
But Thompson chose the Dallas option, and the Mavs supporters should be even more excited by his achievement given his motivations.
5. No state tax in Texas
The lack of state tax is one benefit of being a player for a Texas-based team. Therefore, even though Thompson’s gross pay with the Lakers would have been higher, his net pay in Dallas will be higher. More savings for the two-way star also result from Dallas’s cheaper cost of living than most other Californian cities.
It has been stated by some that Thompson will have to pay a higher-than-expected property tax. However, there’s a counterargument that he wouldn’t worry about it too much because he doesn’t have to buy a house in the DFW Metroplex. He can remain in the city during the NBA season and return home after, ideally, assisting the Mavs in winning a title.
4. Best chance of winning his fifth ring with the Mavericks
A segment of the Golden State Warriors’ fan base refers to Klay Thompson as a diva and is a little irritated with him. There are even whispers that his antics are starting to get old and are drawing comparisons to Draymond Green. Many tend to believe that Thompson felt undervalued during contract extension talks, which is why he chose to depart Golden State.
However, signing with the Dallas Mavericks seems to contradict that idea, as he could have secured a more lucrative and longer deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. For the 34-year-old guard, the decision wasn’t about money but rather feeling disrespected by the Warriors’ top executives.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required), Thompson also believed that Dallas offered him “his best chance to win a fifth title.” This mindset isn’t surprising, considering the team was just three wins away from securing the 2024 championship. Conversely, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round and often appear to be in a state of flux.
The Mavericks fell short against the Boston Celtics due to their inefficient perimeter shooting. Their perimeter defense was also exposed, allowing the Celtics’ stars to dominate in the Finals.
It is anticipated that Thompson will assist in such areas. Even though he’s past his peak and has recovered from serious injuries over a number of years, he still obviously has enough left in the tank.
3. Klay Thompson thinks he’ll be a great fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be desperate to sign Klay Thompson, and even LeBron James reportedly contacted the shooter as soon as free agency opened. It seems like they spoke for a few more days before Thompson made up his mind to sign with the Dallas Mavericks.
James even reportedly expressed a willingness to take a pay cut if it meant attracting Thompson or other free agents to Los Angeles.
However, the California native chose to take his talents to Dallas, joining forces with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. According to Sam Amick, Klay watched the Finals and “envisioned” himself fitting into the Mavericks’ offense by creating space for the team’s dynamic ball handlers. Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews of ESPN also noted that Thompson saw himself as an “ideal fit” alongside the Mavericks’ top players.
Interestingly, Dallas led the league last season in field-goal attempts from corner threes. With stars like Doncic and Irving drawing significant defensive attention, the team frequently found good looks from those areas. Now, with an elite shooter like Thompson positioned in the corner, opponents will face a tough choice each game.
2. The Mavericks prioritized Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson spent 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, and many believed he would retire alongside his longtime teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. After all, he was a cornerstone of the dynasty that won four titles in eight seasons.
Years of feeling undervalued by the Golden State Warriors led Klay Thompson to choose the Dallas Mavericks. According to sources like Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews, Thompson expected a contract extension offer after the Warriors’ 2022 championship. Instead, he watched as Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green received favorable deals.
In contrast, the Mavericks made sure Thompson felt prioritized in the days leading up to his free agency decision. Sam Amick described a 90-minute dinner meeting in Hermosa, California, where the team’s recruitment pitch unfolded. Nico Harrison, the president of basketball operations, and vice president Michael Finley were present. Finley, a former Mavericks star, provided Thompson with valuable insights about Dallas and its organization.
Although Jason Kidd offered to cut short his family vacation to attend the meeting, Thompson assured him it wasn’t necessary. Additionally, Thompson maintained regular communication with Kyrie Irving during this period.
The Mavericks’ efforts left a strong impression on Thompson, prompting him to inform the Los Angeles Lakers that a second in-person meeting was unnecessary.
1. Klay Thompson will find more peace in Dallas compared to Los Angeles
After turning pro in 2011 and winning nearly a dozen rings, Klay Thompson might just want to play basketball without the drama. And he’ll find that the Dallas Mavericks are the ideal place for him to accomplish that.
Some might argue that the Los Angeles Lakers could have provided Klay Thompson with an environment to thrive and recover after his challenging tenure with the Golden State Warriors. Being familiar with the area and close to loved ones could have been beneficial. However, Thompson was looking for “new experiences” and a “fresh start,” as a source close to him mentioned regarding a potential move to the Lakers, according to Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews. The source questioned whether it would be like trading one fishbowl for another.
Despite the allure of playing for one of the NBA’s premier franchises, it wasn’t enough to surpass what the Mavericks had to offer. Dallas seemed to understand Thompson’s preferences well. As reported by Sam Amick, the relaxed and conversational tone of their meeting with Thompson resonated with his off-court demeanor.
In choosing the Mavericks, Thompson not only opted against the Lakers but also joined a team addressing issues that hindered them in the 2024 Finals. As the new star of the franchise, he now has a prime opportunity to find peace while continuing to play the sport he loves.