Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors last offseason marked a poignant moment in the franchise’s history. However, after a challenging season with the Dallas Mavericks, rumors are swirling about a potential reunion that could reignite the Warriors’ championship aspirations. According to NBA analyst Ryan Shea from Sports Illustrated, the Warriors are contemplating bringing Thompson back in a bid to extend their competitive window alongside Stephen Curry.
Thompson, a five-time All-Star and instrumental in securing four NBA championships for the Warriors between 2015 and 2022, signed a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas last summer after failing to reach a contract extension with Golden State. Despite starting all 72 games for the Mavericks, his performance saw a decline, averaging just 14.0 points per game—the lowest since his rookie season—and shooting 41.2 percent from the field. This dip in production raised eyebrows, especially as he entered his mid-30s.
The Mavericks struggled throughout the season, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, ultimately finishing with a lackluster 39 wins. With questions surrounding the long-term viability of their roster, Thompson’s shooting prowess—his three-point shooting percentage remains a respectable 39 percent—still makes him an appealing option for teams in need of veteran perimeter scoring.
In Shea’s proposed trade scenario, the Warriors would send sharpshooter Buddy Hield and promising second-year forward Trayce Jackson-Davis to Dallas in exchange for Thompson. The rationale is straightforward: Thompson’s established chemistry with Curry and Draymond Green could prove more beneficial in the playoffs than Hield’s contributions. For the Mavericks, acquiring younger assets could help them rebuild and revitalize their roster.
At 35, Thompson is no longer expected to be the primary scoring option. Instead, he would fit into a familiar role, providing essential spacing, defensive versatility, and veteran leadership. Shea argues that a return to the Warriors’ system could rejuvenate Thompson’s confidence and performance. “Klay isn’t the player he once was,” Shea notes, “but he’s still dangerous enough to shift playoff games.”
However, the Warriors’ core is aging rapidly. Curry, now 37, and Green, 35, alongside the recently acquired Jimmy Butler and anticipated free-agent signing Al Horford—both in their 30s—raise concerns about the team’s long-term sustainability. A reunion with Thompson would further tilt the roster toward experience, prompting discussions about durability and future planning.
Nevertheless, the Warriors are not focused on the long haul; they are intent on securing one more championship. With the Western Conference landscape appearing wide open, the potential acquisition of Thompson at a relatively modest trade cost could be a risk worth taking for Golden State.
Bringing Klay back would not merely be a roster adjustment; it would symbolize a commitment to continuity, legacy, and the belief that the magic of their championship run can be rekindled. As the NBA offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Warriors and their next move in their quest for another title.