Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Warriors
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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Klay Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks.
The Golden State Warriors may have parted ways with Klay Thompson, but trade rumors out of Dallas are sparking speculation: could the team consider reuniting with the sharpshooting guard who helped define an era of Warriors dominance?
According to ClutchPoint’s Brett Siegel, the Dallas Mavericks are evaluating Thompson’s trade value heading into the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
“It is no secret that Harrison and the Mavericks’ front office will explore what return exists for Klay Thompson before the trade deadline, and several teams are monitoring Daniel Gafford’s status, sources said,” Siegel reported.
Remembering a Warriors Legend
Thompson joined the Mavericks last year after ending a 13-year run with the Warriors, where he won four NBA championships alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. He signed a three-year, $50 million deal in a sign-and-trade with Dallas, reportedly turning down a more lucrative $80 million offer from the Los Angeles Lakers.
“We can’t overstate Klay Thompson’s incredible and legendary contributions with the Warriors during his 13 years with the team, highlighted by four (4) NBA Championships, six (6) trips to the NBA Finals, five (5) NBA All-Star Game appearances, and several NBA records, including the most points ever scored in a quarter in NBA history (37) and the most 3-point field goals in a game (14),” the Warriors said in a statement after Thompson left for Dallas.
Despite their separation, the organization hopes fans remember Thompson at his peak.
“The amount of joy and happiness that Klay provided Warriors fans, Bay Area natives, and Dub Nation supporters all around the world has been immense and cannot be minimized. His penchant for delivering in pressurized situations on the biggest stage, including many Game 6 heroics, has helped define a career,” the statement continued.
The Warriors have vowed to retire Thompson’s jersey, with plans to immortalize him alongside the team’s dynasty legends at Chase Center.
The Fallout of Failed Contract Talks
The split between Thompson and Golden State stemmed largely from contract disagreements. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Thompson felt disrespected when the Warriors offered him half of what Green received.
“Thompson was offered a two-year extension in the $50 million range by the Warriors before last season but passed on that pitch and is said to have come away from the offer feeling disrespected mere months after Green was re-signed to a four-year, $100 million pact,” Stein reported in June 2024.
This tension hung over Thompson last season, evident in his shooting slump and angst-filled interviews, contributing to his decision to join the Mavericks in pursuit of a fifth championship.
Thompson’s Current Status in Dallas
Now 35, Thompson has struggled to regain his former dominance in Dallas, shooting just 29.2% from three-point range and averaging career lows in points and assists. He was recently moved to the bench, prompting trade speculation ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Thompson carries a $17.5 million expiring contract, which could make him an attractive target for teams seeking flexibility ahead of the 2027 free agency class, potentially led by MVPs Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic.
Should Golden State Consider a Reunion?
For the Warriors, the question is both emotional and strategic. Thompson’s legacy is untouchable, yet the team faces competitive pressures in the Western Conference. A reunion could:
Boost championship odds by adding veteran shooting and playoff experience.
Reignite fan excitement, particularly among Dub Nation supporters nostalgic for Thompson’s Game 6 heroics.
Come with risks, including age, declining efficiency, and past tensions over contracts.
Thompson’s leadership, familiarity with Curry and Green, and proven track record in high-pressure playoff moments could make him a strategic asset, even in a complementary role off the bench now that Thompson is more receptive to such a role.
The Legacy Remains
Regardless of whether a trade occurs, Thompson’s legacy in Golden State is secure.
“Klay’s legacy will live on forever, and we look forward to the day we can retire his #11 jersey at Chase Center, where he will join a host of Warriors immortals, including those who helped shape this recent dynasty—himself included,” their farewell statement said last year.
As trade buzz heats up, the Warriors must weigh nostalgia against strategy: is a Klay Thompson reunion a dream worth pursuing, or a risk better left in the past?