Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.
Key Points
Steph Curry admitted, “If that time comes...We want you back,” regarding Thompson’s possible return.
The idea of a Klay Thompson return to the Golden State Warriors is no longer just fan speculation after Steph Curry spoke about it directly in an ESPN story published on Thursday.
Thompson, now in his second season with the Dallas Mavericks, has emerged as a potential trade candidate, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Tim MacMahon.
“Dallas’ new front office is expected to explore [Thompson’s] trade market near the deadline,” ESPN reported. “Thompson’s desire is to play for a contender, league sources said, but the $17 million owed to him next season could make him challenging to move.”
In the same ESPN story, Curry acknowledged the possibility of reuniting with Thompson in Golden State. The duo helped the Warriors win four NBA championships during their time together in the Bay.
“It would be unbelievable,” Curry said about a potential reunion. “If that time comes and that conversation is had, of course I’m calling him and saying, ‘We want you back.’ And hopefully that would be a welcome message to him. But as we stand right now, that does seem like a far distant reality. But so did him leaving.”
The two guards, widely known as the “Splash Brothers,” played together from 2011 through 2024 and redefined how NBA offenses operate, leading the Warriors to six NBA Finals appearances.
Thompson’s future in Dallas remains uncertain, with the sharpshooter averaging a career-low 11.1 points this season while shooting 37% from the field and 36.1% from three.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30)
Curry made it clear in the ESPN story that he still hopes for a proper final chapter between Thompson and the Warriors, even if it’s ceremonial.
“I wish he was still here,” Curry said ahead of the Warriors-Mavericks matchup scheduled for Christmas Day.
The Mavericks are outside the playoff picture at 10–17, and there’s a chance they try to retool the roster around rookie Cooper Flagg by moving some of their veterans.
Thompson, 35, has another year left on his contract at a $17.4 million cap hit, and he recently acknowledged his situation in Dallas.
“The circumstances have changed since I signed here — I mean, obviously the personnel,” Thompson said. “But we still have a very talented team, and at the end of the day, I’m playing to win, and nothing’s changed. My goals remain the same.”
The Mavericks will face the Warriors for the first time this season on Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN and the ESPN app as part of a three-game regular-season series between the teams.
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