Breaking up is hard to do.
But sometimes, it’s a long time coming. That was the case with Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors, who failed to reach agreement on a new contract this offseason after 13 years and four NBA championships together.
Now Thompson’s a Dallas Maverick. And he’s ready to turn the page. The Mavericks introduced Thompson alongside offseason acquisitions Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall on Tuesday, and Thompson spoke with media for the first time as a Maverick.
He told reporters that “there were times last year it was tough where it wasn’t as joyful as it had been in the past” in Golden State and declared that the split was “necessary.”
“Probably a little disappointed at first, but then as time goes on, you have a lot of time to reflect and you realize what you did,” Thompson said. “They can’t take that away from you as far as championships. … the impact you have on the community. That will forever live.
“Sometimes, breakups are necessary to do what’s right. I’m not the first athlete in the NBA to go through this.”
Klay Thompson was asked what it’s like leaving Golden State after 13 years:
“I was probably a little disappointed at first… sometimes breakups are necessary to do what’s right. I’m not the first athlete in the NBA to go through this.” pic.twitter.com/6ENHZ8IY8K
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 9, 2024
Thompson cited Scottie Pippen’s transition from the Chicago Bulls to the Portland Trail Blazers late in his career as a comp for his move to the Mavericks. Pippen won six championships during a Hall of Fame career in Chicago before spending his last six seasons with the Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets.
“I look forward to being rejuvenated here,” Thompson continued. “A lot of good basketball left in the tank.”
Thompson leaves a Warriors team that finished 10th in the West and failed to advance past the play-in round for a Mavericks team that advanced to the NBA Finals. He’ll play alongside two of basketball’s most potent offensive weapons in Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
After being slowed by devastating ACL and Achilles injuries in recent seasons, Thompson believes that joining the Mavericks “can spur greatness.”
“Whether you play basketball or work in the corporate world or whatever industry, sometimes change just can spur greatness,” Thompson said. “A new change of scenery can do wonders. I’m very grateful for my time at Golden State.
He also spoke about what drew him to Dallas.
“I just felt like moving on could reenergize me and do something special for the rest of my career,” Thompson continued. “Dallas was so attractive because of the young players they have, the style of play. …
“When I was watching the playoffs, and I’m watching the Mavs make a run for the championship, I just saw myself fitting in really well with this team and the personnel. They look like they have fun playing with each other, and they play for each other. That was very attractive to me.”
