The 2024 NBA offseason delivered one of its biggest shocks when five-time All-Star Klay Thompson Signs with Mavericks left the Golden State Warriors after 13 legendary seasons to join Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks.
This move reshapes the Western Conference and gives the Mavs a championship-caliber Big Three (Luka, Kyrie Irving, and Klay). But can Klay Thompson Signs with Mavericks , now 34 years old, return to elite form and help Dallas win its first title since 2011?
In this 1,000+ word deep dive, we’ll break down:
✔ Why Klay chose Dallas over the Lakers & Warriors
✔ How he fits next to Luka & Kyrie
✔ The Mavericks’ upgraded roster after free agency
✔ Biggest threats in the West (Nuggets, Thunder, Suns)
✔ Can Dallas actually win the 2025 NBA Finals?
Why Did Klay Thompson Signs with Mavericks Choose ?
After months of contract disputes with Golden State, Klay Thompson made the emotional decision to leave the only NBA team he’s ever known. Here’s why Dallas emerged as his best option:
1. A Clear Path to Championship Contention
The Mavericks just made the 2024 NBA Finals (losing to Boston) and needed one more elite shooter to push them over the top. Klay, a career 41.3% three-point shooter, gives Luka Dončić the best floor-spacer he’s ever played with.
2. The Warriors’ Decline
Golden State missed the playoffs in 2024, and with Steph Curry (36) and Draymond Green (34) aging, Klay saw a better chance to win in Dallas.
3. A 3-Year, $70 Million Deal
The Mavericks offered more money than the Warriors (who reportedly only wanted to pay $20M/year). Klay also gets a fresh start without being in Steph’s shadow.
“I’ll always love Golden State, but I’m ready for a new challenge. Playing with Luka and Kyrie is going to be special.” – Klay Thompson
How Does Klay Thompson Fit With Luka & Kyrie?
The Mavericks’ new “Big Three” is one of the most talented offensive trios in NBA history. Here’s how they fit:
✅ Elite Three-Point Shooting
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Luka Dončić (38% from 3 in 2024) is already a deadly shooter.
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Kyrie Irving (40% from 3) is one of the best off-the-dribble shooters ever.
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Klay Thompson (38% from 3 last season) is the perfect catch-and-shoot specialist.
✅ Championship Experience
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Klay has 4 rings, Kyrie has 1 (2016), and Luka is hungry for his first.
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This trio knows how to perform in big moments.
In Golden State, Klay was often asked to guard the best perimeter player. In Dallas, Derrick Jones Jr. & Dante Exum handle tough matchups, letting Klay focus on shooting and transition defense.
Potential Concerns
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Age & Injuries: Klay is 34 and has had two major leg injuries (ACL & Achilles).
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Ball Dominance: Luka and Kyrie both need the ball—will Klay get enough shots?
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Defensive Decline: Klay isn’t the same lockdown defender he was in 2019.
Mavericks’ Upgraded Roster After Free Agency
Dallas didn’t just add Klay—they revamped their entire supporting cast:
Key Additions:
✔ Klay Thompson (Elite shooter)
✔ Naji Marshall (Versatile wing defender)
✔ Jonas Valančiūnas (Rebounding & post scoring)
Returning Core:
✔ Luka Dončić (33.9 PPG, 9.8 APG, MVP candidate)
✔ Kyrie Irving (25.6 PPG, 5.2 APG, clutch scorer)
✔ P.J. Washington (Defensive anchor)
Biggest Loss:
✖ Derrick Jones Jr. (Signed with Clippers) – His defense will be missed.
Biggest Threats in the Western Conference
1. Denver Nuggets
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Nikola Jokić (3x MVP) is still the best player in the world.
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Jamal Murray & Aaron Gordon make them a complete team.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.1 PPG, MVP runner-up)
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Chet Holmgren & Jalen Williams are rising stars.
3. Phoenix Suns
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Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal – Elite scoring trio.
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New coach Mike Budenholzer could fix their defense.
Can the Mavericks Win the 2025 NBA Championship?
✅ Reasons They Can Win
✔ Best Offensive Trio in the NBA (Luka, Kyrie, Klay)
✔ Improved Bench (Valančiūnas, Marshall, Exum)
✔ Luka’s Prime (25 years old, entering his peak)
❌ Reasons They Might Fall Short
✖ Defensive Questions (Klay & Kyrie are declining defenders)
✖ Health Risks (Klay’s durability, Kyrie’s injury history)
✖ Denver & OKC Are Younger & Deeper
Final Verdict
The Mavericks are a top-3 contender in the West, but Denver is still the favorite. If Klay stays healthy and shoots 40% from three, Dallas has a real shot at the title.
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Conclusion
Klay Thompson Signs with Mavericks is one of the biggest free agency stories of 2024. Pairing him with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving creates an unstoppable offensive trio, but defense and health will decide their fate.
Can the Mavs win it all? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: The NBA just got even more exciting.
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