Klay Thompson, a key contributor to the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, has agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with Dallas Mavericks that includes a player option, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This deal was finalized as part of a multi-team sign-and-trade on Monday night. As part of the agreement, the Mavericks sent two second-round draft picks, one in 2025 and another in 2031, to Golden State.
The 34-year-old shooting guard has been a stalwart for the Warriors, averaging 19.6 points (on 45/41/86 shooting splits), 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game over his 11-season tenure. Thompson has made five All-Star appearances and won four championships with Golden State. Despite facing significant injuries, including a torn left ACL and ruptured right Achilles that sidelined him for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Thompson returned midway through the 2021-22 campaign and helped lead the Warriors to a redemptive title in 2022.
Even with a decreased workload, Thompson remains one of the league’s premier shooters. He made 39% of his nine 3-point attempts per game this past season. His usage rate fell to 24.2%, and he attempted fewer shots per game (14.7) than he has since his rookie season. For the first time over a full season since his rookie year, Thompson played fewer than 30 minutes per game, even coming off the bench for a period. His scoring averaged 17.9 points per game this past season, reflecting some inconsistency.
However, Thompson’s shooting prowess remains crucial in the modern NBA. Often overshadowed by his “Splash Brother” Stephen Curry, Thompson needs just 79 made 3-pointers to catch Reggie Miller for fifth place on the career 3-point field goals list. He made 268 last season and led the NBA with 301 made 3s in 2023. His career 3-point percentage of 41.3% ranks among the top 20 in history.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Thompson is known for his positive influence off the court. He and his bulldog, Rocco, who was born on April 20, have a routine of taking a boat to work in the Bay Area, embodying his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, such as scaffolding. This easy-going demeanor, combined with his elite shooting, makes Thompson a valuable addition to any locker room.
With this move, the Dallas Mavericks are banking on Thompson’s experience and shooting ability to complement their roster. As Thompson transitions to a new chapter in his career, his legacy as one of the game’s all-time great shooters is firmly established, and his impact on the Mavericks could be significant as they aim for success in the upcoming seasons.