Klay Thompson to Join Mavericks in Multi-Team Deal

Free-agent wing Klay Thompson is set to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50-million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors marks the end of an era, part of a multi-team sign-and-trade that also involves former Mavericks wing Josh Green moving to the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte will trade two second-round picks for Green, with potential draft considerations going to Golden State.

In return, the Warriors will receive two future second-round picks from Dallas, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Thompson, a five-time All-Star, turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere to chase a fifth championship and benefit from favorable state taxes. He reportedly met with several teams including Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Clippers at the onset of free agency after the Warriors explored different options.

Golden State is poised to sign former Philadelphia 76ers guard De’Anthony Melton to a one-year, $12.8-million deal, per sources.

Thompson, who averaged 17.9 points per game last season, his lowest since his sophomore year in the NBA, started 63 games and came off the bench for 14. The Warriors finished the 2023-24 season with a 46-36 record, falling short of the playoffs after losing in the play-in tournament.

The Mavericks, coming off an NBA Finals appearance, are making moves to accommodate Thompson’s arrival, reportedly trading Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons for guard Quentin Grimes. They have also signed Naji Marshall from the New Orleans Pelicans to a three-year, $27-million deal.

Thompson, drafted 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, spent 11 seasons with the Warriors, contributing significantly to their successes including championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. He earned All-NBA third team honors in 2015 and 2016.

The 34-year-old ranks second in Warriors history for 3-point field goals with 2,481, behind longtime teammate Stephen Curry. Thompson was the second-longest-tenured player with a single franchise, after Curry.