Klay Thompson Admits Wanting to End Career in Golden State After Miserable Run With Mavs

Klay Thompson made his feelings clear on potential reunion with the Warriors.

Klay Thompson Admits Wanting to End Career in Golden State After Miserable Run With Mavs

Klay Thompson (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Klay Thompson is coming off a difficult 2025-26 campaign. Thompson has endured a disappointing two-year spell with the Dallas Mavericks. When he joined the Mavs, it was seen as a move that would help them win a championship, but fast-forward to today, everything has fallen apart.

The Mavs have missed the playoffs in both seasons after Thompson joined them as a free agent in 2024. The shooting guard has not been the same player since his back-to-back long-term injuries.

His departure from the Golden State Warriors did not happen on the best of terms. While the Dubs have not been linked to him this year, Thompson made it clear that he would like to end his career in Golden State during his encounter with a fan.

Shoot, I don’t know. I got one year on my deal. It’d be nice to end it in Golden State.

Klay Thompson to a Warriors fan

For the first time in his career, Thompson saw himself coming off the bench as a role player last season. His limited role saw him average 11.7 points in 69 appearances and shoot a career-low 39.8% from the field.

Many believed that Thompson’s arrival in Dallas would be a huge move in their championship aspirations. The Mavs were coming off a Finals appearance led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Unfortunately, nothing went according to plan as Doncic was traded away at the trade deadline last year and Irving suffered an ACL tear that ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 campaign.

With Thompson approaching the final year of his contract, it looks like the Mavs are looking to trade him away in the offseason. It remains to be seen if the Warriors would be interested in taking back one half of the “Splash Brothers.”

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Klay Thompson is already a Warriors legend

The Warriors drafted Klay Thompson as the number 11 pick in the 2011 NBA draft. Together with Stephen Curry, they formed the greatest shooting backcourt in NBA history. Alongside Draymond Green, the trio formed the core of the Warriors’ dynasty.

Not only is Thompson an elite shooter, but he is also a solid defender, and he made a name for himself as one of the best two-way players in the league. He used to always take up the assignment of guarding the opposition’s best player to lower the burden on Curry.

During his 11 seasons with the Dubs, Thompson won four championships in six NBA Finals appearances. He made five All-Star appearances and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2019. Unfortunately, he had to part ways with the Warriors in 2024 when they did not offer him a long-term deal as he desired. It turned out to be a turning point for both parties, as no one imagined that they would be parting ways after so many years together.

The Warriors are still far from contenders at the moment, and signing Thompson will not elevate their chances much. However, he can still have moments of brilliance, as he showcased in his two years in Dallas. But for now, the Warriors have not shown any interest in the 36-year-old.

Miami Heat are interested in Klay Thompson

The Miami Heat pulled off the biggest trade of the offseason this year when they traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. With a frontcourt of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, it is clear that the Heat need to surround the duo with shooters.

Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson (Credits: MARCA)

NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that the Mavs are ready to trade away the four-time champion in the offseason.

The Mavericks at this point have operated as they are trying to find a trade for Klay Thompson. All scenarios about Miami’s interest… those are buyout scenarios. As we stand mid July, I don’t think the Mavs are giving consideration to a buyout. If no trade materializes and it’s August/September, and no trade has materialized, does the possibility change? Will Klay’s representatives push for a buyout? I’m sure that’s on the menu of possibilities.

Marc Stein on DLLS Mavs podcast

While Thompson may not be the player and scorer he once was, he still shot at 38.3% from the three-point line last season. The Heat are heavily linked to LeBron James and are linked to Thompson as well. If they do manage to sign the two players, they will be strong contenders to come out of the Eastern Conference next year.

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