On July 1, 2024, free agent and four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson agreed to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Despite receiving more lucrative four-year offers from other teams, the five-time All-Star chose Dallas in pursuit of a fifth championship, influenced by Texas’ absence of state income tax. The Los Angeles Lakers also showed interest in Thompson during free agency.
Thompson and his agent, Greg Lawrence of Wasserman Basketball, met with Mavericks officials, including general manager Nico Harrison and vice president of basketball operations Michael Finley, at the Bottle Inn in Hermosa Beach, California, which played a significant role in his decision. Additionally, Marc Stein noted that Kyrie Irving, Thompson’s former Team USA teammate, contributed to persuading him to join Dallas, countering the Lakers’ efforts.
Thompson, 34, will be part of a multiteam trade involving the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets. Dallas will send Josh Green to Charlotte in exchange for two second-round draft picks, while the Warriors’ return is still undetermined, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The Mavericks recently signed forward Naji Marshall to a three-year, $27 million deal, initially capping them at the first apron. Trading Green, however, keeps them below this threshold, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Following the NBA’s salary cap announcement of $140.588 million, Dallas’ projected salary stands at $175 million, surpassing the $170.8 million luxury tax level but remaining under the first apron of $178.3 million, avoiding certain roster-building penalties.
Last season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 29.7 minutes over 77 games, shooting 43.2% overall and 38.7% from three-point range.
