Klay Thompson's move to the Mavericks is one of the biggest moves of the NBA's postseason. Thompson may not be an All-Star or a max contract player, but this is TRUE The end of the NBA's last dynasty. It also sees future Hall of Famers team up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Thompson agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. The Golden State Warriors have now lost Chris Paul, Jordan Paul and Thompson for just two second-round picks in the past 12 months (both were acquired in this deal).
It's a sad end to the Splash Brothers' incredible winning streak. Thompson may have won four championships, but there's clearly some tension between the team and the five-time All-Star. Thompson reportedly turned down bigger offers to play for the Mavericks because of state income taxes and the chance to win a title.
Much of the focus will be on the Warriors in the coming days, weeks and months. And rightfully so. Golden State has one of the greatest players in league history, and their chances of competing in 2024-25 are as slim as they come. This is the end of an era.
Clay Feet in Dallas
But Dallas is the team that will make the big move here. The Mavs just reached the NBA Finals, lost Derrick Jones Jr. in the free agency window, signed Najee Marshall, and now have an elite scorer to play alongside Irving and Doncic. In a weak free agent category, Nico Harrison has been the biggest hit given Dallas’ salary cap (Paul George was never a realistic target).
Thompson remains a highly efficient three-point shooter. His three-point shooting percentage is slight His form has dipped since returning from two career-altering injuries, but he’s still hovering around 40% on nearly 10 attempts per game. That kind of off-ball threat, a capable shooter on the move, along with Doncic and Irving is a recipe for a formidable offense. Dallas has had shooters alongside Doncic in the past, but none were anywhere near Thompson’s caliber, and they weren’t as adept at shooting on the move.
Thompson’s decline has been primarily defensive. Opponents were 7.5 points better offensively per 100 possessions with Thompson on the court last season. Those numbers have trended in the wrong direction since his return from injury, reflecting the eye test. Thompson is 34 and has had two horrific leg injuries. His defense was always going to be worse, but he’s still nowhere near his peak defensively. Speedy guards can outplay him—getting separation isn’t a challenge for ballhandlers.
Despite ranking 18th in defensive rating on the season, much of Dallas’ 2023-24 surge has been built on defense. Even with Irving and Doncic secured, the Mavs will struggle on the perimeter with a short guard, Doncic, and an aging Thompson. P.J. Washington and Marshall are under a lot of pressure.
Wrong move for Dallas
This trio on the back line will be very interesting to watch. It will open up more room for Jason Kidd offensively. Thompson can act as a buffer for Doncic or Irving. He can fly off the blocks. He should help them maintain the offense in the minutes that Doncic is not playing.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean high expectations. Dallas is short on defensive options. Will it dare to leave Thompson out of the starting lineup at a critical time to prioritize defense? If Washington guards Anthony Edwards, who will it pick Karl-Anthony Towns? And will Thompson be able to stay ahead of Jalen Williams or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
The Mavs clearly needed to do something this season after coming so close to the ring. Their success in 2024-25 will depend more on the development of Derrick Lively II, Washington’s play, and Irving and Doncic’s defense than Thompson. Harrison wasn’t blessed with many options this summer, but he was adding last Is a guard the best option? We're skeptical about how Thompson will fit in with Doncic and Irving in the postseason, which will really determine the evaluation of this move.
