After much contemplation, Klay Thompson made the decision to leave the Golden State Warriors, signing a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Before finalizing his deal, Thompson considered other options with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Warriors were not heavily involved in negotiations at the beginning of free agency as they pursued a trade for Paul George from the Clippers.
According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Thompson’s decision to leave became easier when the Warriors did not prioritize him in free agency. The team was focused on making big moves to improve their chances of contending while also cutting costs. Thompson’s departure was unofficially decided weeks before free agency negotiations began.
Despite the possibility of the Warriors making a competitive offer eventually, Thompson chose to move forward and sign with the Mavericks. He will now join forces with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in Dallas, becoming a part of a new challenge in the Western Conference. Thompson’s departure marks the end of his time with the Warriors, the only NBA organization he has known in his career.