Klay Thompson is set to become the Dallas Mavericks’ starting small forward for the 2024-25 NBA season. Shams Charania of The Athletic confirmed this during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, noting that Thompson would be a “guaranteed starter” and receive “guaranteed minutes.”
Choosing Dallas Over the Lakers
Thompson had a more lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers but chose the Mavericks, believing they offered him the best chance to win another championship. On July 1, Thompson joined Dallas in a sign-and-trade deal, securing a three-year, $50 million contract.
A Fresh Start After a Challenging Season
Thompson’s final season with the Golden State Warriors was tumultuous. For the first time since his rookie year, he came off the bench for 14 of his 77 appearances, averaging 29.7 minutes and 17.9 points per game—his lowest since the 2012-13 season. The opportunity to play a significant role for a Western Conference contender likely intrigued Thompson.
A Valuable Addition to the Mavericks
Despite a disappointing 2023-24 season, Thompson remained a valuable asset, particularly with his catch-and-shoot three-point abilities, ranking second in the league. His role in Dallas is expected to complement the star duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, providing a floor-spacing option without needing the ball in his hands.
Thompson’s Excitement for the Future
Thompson expressed his excitement about the fresh start in Dallas during a press conference on July 9. He stated that he felt valued and motivated to work hard for the team. As the Mavericks aim to defend their Western Conference championship, Thompson is anticipated to play a key role in the starting lineup when the season begins.
With Thompson joining the team, the Mavericks are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season ahead.
