Whether or not the grass is greener on the opposite aspect or not is one thing we don’t really know till we go searching. And when Klay Thompson opted to go away the Golden State Warriors to hitch the Dallas Mavericks after 11 seasons within the Bay space, greener grass is strictly what he hoped to seek out.
“A brand new change of surroundings can do wonders,” Thompson mentioned at his introductory press convention with the Mavericks on Tuesday. “I’m very grateful for my time (with) Golden State, however I simply felt like shifting on may re-energize me and do one thing particular for the remainder of my profession.”
The previous Eleventh-overall decide in 2011 had spent his whole NBA profession with the Warriors, incomes 5 All-Star nods and capturing 4 championships. His title is everywhere in the franchise’s leaderboards, fourth in video games performed (793) for Golden State all-time, sixth in factors (15,531) and second for made threes (2,481) — behind solely fellow “Splash Brother” Steph Curry.
Having completed all that with the Warriors nonetheless wasn’t sufficient to dismiss the truth that the 34-year-old felt as if he was the odd man out at instances final season.
In 2023-24, Thompson averaged 17.9 factors per sport, the bottom since his sophomore season, on 38.7 per cent taking pictures from distance. And except for taking part in the third-fewest minutes per sport (29.7) in his profession by 77 appearances, being relegated out of his beginning position gave the impression to be a noticeable level of rivalry.
Thompson got here off the bench 14 instances final season, his first appearances as a non-starter since his rookie marketing campaign.
“Typically breakups are essential to do what’s proper,” the two-time All-NBA choice mentioned. “I sit up for being rejuvenated (in Dallas) … (with) a variety of good basketball left within the tank.”
And after it appeared the Warriors and Thompson couldn’t come to an settlement on a brand new contract this low season, he ended up becoming a member of the Mavericks through sign-and-trade, agreeing on a three-year, $50-million deal to be in Dallas.
It ended up requiring six groups to execute the transfer, with Golden State getting Buddy Hield (from Philadelphia) and Kyle Anderson (from Minnesota) in return.
After Thompson was launched to Mavericks followers, he spoke candidly in regards to the challenges felt all through his closing season with the Warriors and the joy of being in a brand new surroundings.
“Coming right here is such a recent begin,” Thompson mentioned, when requested if he had misplaced any of the enjoyment he felt taking part in basketball final season. “Feeling wished once more, I deliver nice worth, it will get me excited. … There have been instances final 12 months it was robust, the place it wasn’t as joyful because it had been prior to now, it’s good to shed that. … I’m going to embrace the heck out of this chance.”
The NBA’s sixth-ranked participant for made threes all-time joins Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, recent off a run to the Finals. The Mavericks completed the common season at 50-32, incomes the fifth seed within the West earlier than changing into convention champions.
After shedding to the Boston Celtics in 5 video games, Dallas made it clear it wasn’t happy and revamped across the margins. Apart from including Thompson, the Mavericks additionally acquired Quentin Grimes through commerce and signed Naji Marshall in free company.
Thompson and Irving have loads of familiarity with one another, however this would be the first time they’ll be sharing the courtroom as an alternative of going head-to-head. They beforehand confronted off in three consecutive NBA Finals (2015-17) between the Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I’ve identified (Kyrie) for a very long time,” Thompson mentioned. “For him to come back right here and embrace the town … it impressed me as a result of they have been so near profitable the entire thing and I believe we may help them recover from the hump.
“That’s what’s so engaging to me, being somebody who may help them win … being on the again finish of my profession … I believe we’re arrange for an amazing run. Expectations are excessive, however you welcome it. … I simply wish to win at this level.”
