According to multiple reports, four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson has agreed to a trade deal to join the Dallas Mavericks, ending the storyline of his career with the Golden State Warriors.
In a Monday evening statement, the Warriors did not confirm the details of the trade, but they thanked Thompson for his contribution to their dynastic journey and promised to retire his No. 11 jersey one day. Thompson, 34, has tied with Steph Curry for four NBA championships in 13 seasons with the Warriors, but he declined to extend a contract last season that would have been two years and $48 million.
ESPN reported that Thompson will sign a three-year, $50 million contract to join the Mavericks and teammates with All-Star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas lost in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics last month. As part of a three-team trade, the Mavericks have confirmed that they are trading Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets. ESPN and The Athletic reported that the Warriors would benefit from a trade deduction and two second-round picks from Dallas. The takeaways from the Warriors’ trade talks can be used around the front. Golden State reportedly has a high score on Jazz player Lauri Markkanen.
A five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA, Thompson was the 11th overall pick in 2011 out of Washington State and never played for another NBA team. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said last month during his news conference opening Team USA’s training camp in Golden State that he “wants” Thompson to return.
Klay Thompson
“We can’t express enough the incredible contribution that Klay Thompson has made to the Warriors during his 13 years with the team,” the Warriors said in a statement Monday night, announcing Thompson’s NBA record for points in 10 minutes. five (37) and most 3-pointers made in a game (14). “The sense of joy and happiness that Klay brought to the Warriors, the Bay Area community and Dub Nation fans everywhere was overwhelming and indescribable. pressure on a large level, including many exploits 6 help explain the work. Klay’s legacy will live on forever, and we look forward to the day we can retire his 11 jersey at the Chase Center, where he will join many immortal heroes, including those who helped shaping recent dynasties – including himself.
“We thank Klay for his commitment and wish him the best as the next chapter of his journey is written.”
A career 41.3 percent 3-point shooter, Thompson averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in Golden State. He averaged 17.6 points per game last season, his first season below a 20-point average since 2013-14 (18.4 points per game). His 3-point accuracy of 38.7% last season was the second lowest of his career. Thompson spent part of last season as a backup. In 14 games as a reserve, he averaged 19.8 points and shot 43 percent from 3-point range. Golden State reportedly agreed to a one-year, $12.8 million contract with former 76ers guard De’ Anthony Melton, 26, on Monday.
Dallas signed free agent Naji Marshall (three years, $27 million) and acquired Quentin Grimes in the trade that sent Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Detroit Pistons on June 28.
