Klay Thompson suggests why he thinks he's a good fit for Mavs despite gradual decline
Last season, Klay Thompson struggled to find his rhythm throughout the year, eventually playing his way onto Steve Kerr's bench late in the season as the team fought for a spot in the playoffs. While Thompson said earlier this year that he was willing to accept a reduced role and money in order to stay with the Warriors, he later left the team in free agency.
In July, Thompson signed a three-year deal worth $50 million to join the Dallas Mavericks. With his sights set on a fresh start with a championship contender like the Mavericks, Thompson has high hopes for his tenure with Dallas.
"Me playing with Luka and Kyrie. That's what was attractive was seeing how especially watching that championship this year, I was really shocked to see the chemistry with the teammates," Thompson said in an interview with Qwik11Hoops.
"At this point of my career I might not be able to run as fast as everyone or jump as high but I can still knock down open shots and I think I can be that missing piece for them."
After returning to the Warriors' lineup late in the 2021-22 season, Klay Thompson appeared to be returning to form the following year. Over 69 games during the 2022–23 season, he averaged 21.9 points, the most since his career-high of 22.3 ppg during the 2016–17 season.
However, the success didn't carry over to this year, with Thompson averaging just 17.9 points during the 2023-24 seasons while shooting just 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from downtown.
Jason Kidd praises Kyrie Irving as key reason Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd explained on a "Dubs Talk" podcast appearance for NBC Sports Bay Area that Kyrie Irving played a key role in recruiting Thompson.
"It was a lot of people that were involved in (Thompson's recruitment). But one of the biggest players in that was Kai (Kyrie Irving). They all talk about their situations, and they all recruit one another – this was about Kai and Klay being able to talk."
The move is one that many believe will be a huge difference-maker for the Mavericks as the team looks to build on their NBA Finals run from last year. After losing starting forward Derrick Jones Jr., the team will be able to reshuffle their starting lineup to accommodate the addition of Thompson.
With plenty of veteran leadership and championship experience, the Mavericks are now projected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference in the 2024-25 NBA season.