Klay Thompson has taken on a fresh start with the Dallas Mavericks after 13 impactful years with the Golden State Warriors. In an interview with ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Thompson explained his decision to conclude his career with a new team, saying it felt “necessary” to take this step. He drew inspiration from the careers of Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Scottie Pippen, all of whom found success after leaving their original franchises. Thompson particularly resonated with Pippen’s choice to join the Portland Trail Blazers at age 34, the same age Thompson is now. Having rooted for the Blazers as a child due to his father Mychal Thompson’s early career there, Thompson reflected on the significance of Pippen’s move, calling it “the best day of my life” and “so amazing.”
Yet, it was primarily Brady and O’Neal who influenced Thompson’s move to Dallas. Brady’s Super Bowl win with the Buccaneers and Shaq’s championship success after the Lakers showed him that stars can still find triumph with a new team. “I’m so grateful for everything at Golden State,” Thompson told McMahon, “but I’ve seen some of my favorite athletes pivot and succeed. I just want to win, and this team is so close. I wanted to be part of that when free agency hit.” Thompson admitted that even as an athlete tries to stay grounded in the present, thoughts about the future are natural, and he finds reassurance in being committed to Dallas for several years. “Now that I’m locked in here, I feel free,” he added.
Thompson’s decision to join the Mavericks wasn’t just about playing; it was about finding a team he felt was on the brink of a title. While he had the option to join the Lakers, Thompson chose fewer years and less money with Dallas because he sees them as more championship-ready. The Mavericks reached the NBA Finals last season but fell short against the Boston Celtics, partly due to a lack of strong perimeter shooting—an area where Thompson, one of the league’s all-time great shooters, could provide a much-needed boost.
The start of the season, however, has been a mix of successes and struggles for Thompson. While he scored 22 points in his debut against the Spurs, his shooting has since cooled, averaging under 14 points per game and hitting just two of his last 13 three-point attempts. The Mavericks currently stand at 5-5, and head coach Jason Kidd anticipated some adjustment periods for Thompson and the other new additions. Tuesday night’s game presents an opportunity for Thompson to remind the league—and the Warriors—of what he brings to the court. The Warriors, currently leading with an 8-2 record, may be off to a strong start, but Thompson is determined to prove that his choice to pivot to Dallas was the right move for his career.
