Klay Thompson's Reason for Choosing Mavericks Revealed

Klay Thompson, Steph Curry's long-time Spash Brother with the Golden State Warriors, has revealed his reason for leaving the Dubs in free agency and heading to the Dallas Mavericks rather than the Los Angeles Lakers, who were also in the running.

He felt the Mavs had a better chance to win a title than LeBron James & Co.

Tim MacMahon of ESPN explains:

Thompson chose the Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers, who also recruited him in free agency, because he believed Dallas provided him the best chance to pursue a fifth championship ring. He believed he could be the missing player after the Mavs, fresh off their five-game NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, promised him a starting spot. He craved the opportunity to prove that, at 34 years old and with two major injuries on his medical records, he could still play a major role on a contender.

Klay makes his return to Golden State, the scene of his four championship parades, for the first time Tuesday night in his new fit, and he will receive a rousing ovation and reception from his former home crowd.

His old teammates, as well, have sent Thompson messages to show how much they miss him.

"Welcome back home, brother."

The Warriors shared their messages to Klay Thompson upon his return to the Bay ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mRJmYAhKy1
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 12, 2024

He has started all 10 games for Dallas and is averaging 30 minutes a night, after losing his starting job for a time last season in Golden State. But Thompson has slumped badly after a decent start in Dallas, averaging just 13.8 points, which would be a career-low going all the way back to his rookie season. He's also at an all-time low for him in three-point percentage, at 35.4%.

The Mavericks are just 5-5, and not even in a position to qualify for the play-in tournament in the tough Western Conference. The Warriors, meanwhile, are doing just fine without Klay, sailing along at 8-2.

The Lakers, the other team that Klay spurned in the offseason, are 6-4 thus far.