Warriors Open Door to Klay Thompson Return as Stephen Curry’s Championship Window Narrows

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to trade away Klay Thompson in the summer.

Warriors Open Door to Klay Thompson Return as Stephen Curry’s Championship Window Narrows

Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry (Image credits - San Fransisco Chronicle)

Klay Thompson has been through it all during his NBA career. The Golden State Warriors drafted him with the No. 11 pick in the 2011 NBA draft, and the rest is history. He spent 11 seasons with the Warriors and formed one of the greatest backcourt duos of all time alongside Stephen Curry.

During his time with the Warriors, he became a five-time All-Star, earned All-Defensive Second Team honors, and played an instrumental role in all four of their championship runs. He and Curry were nicknamed the “Splash Brothers”. The duo is widely credited with changing basketball with their elite three-point shooting.

There is no debate that Curry is the greatest shooter of all time. However, Thompson is up there and one of the greatest to ever do it. He ranks fourth on the league’s all-time three-point list and is expected to climb up the list further in the upcoming season.

Unfortunately, Thompson has seen a steady decline since tearing his ACL and Achilles Tendon in 2019 and 2020, respectively. While he did help the Warriors win a title in 2022, he had to part ways with the organization in 2024 after they did not offer him a long-term contract.

He joined the Dallas Mavericks as a free agent, and the move came with high expectations. Unfortunately, things fell apart after Luka Doncic was traded away at the trade deadline last year. While Thompson did show flashes of brilliance for the Mavs, he became more of a role player last season.

With the Mavs building a young team around Cooper Flagg, reports say they are ready to move Thompson this summer. A few weeks ago, the 36-year-old expressed his desire to end his career with the Dubs.

The Warriors’ team sources say that he would be welcomed back to the organization with open arms if he were to secure a buyout and become a free agent. As a result, Thompson could reunite with Curry and Draymond Green in the near future.

RELATED
Rob Pelinka’s Time with Lakers Ending? Stephen A. Smith Believes $12.5 Billion Sale Could Change Things at Lakers

Klay Thompson’s return to the Warriors before the 2026-27 campaign is highly unlikely

Klay Thompson will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest players to ever play for the Warriors. While reports say the Warriors would sign him if he became a free agent, the Mavs want to use his expiring contract to add value and possibly get a few assets in a trade.

One of the first teams that showed interest in acquiring Thompson are the Miami Heat. After trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat are looking to surround their frontcourt duo of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo with shooters. Hence, the Heat have the most motivation to add one of the league’s all-time best three-point shooters.

However, in the last few weeks, another team has been linked to the four-time champion, and it is the Los Angeles Lakers. One of the main reasons Thompson joined the Mavs in 2024 was to play alongside Doncic. If the Lakers decide to pursue him further, he may be tempted to have another opportunity to play alongside the Slovenian guard.

The Warriors are the only team that has not made an acquisition in the summer. With Curry’s championship window getting narrower, the Dubs have done a poor job in surrounding him with a team to contend for a title. It remains to be seen if they make any move for their former shooting guard.

Stephen Curry is like an older brother to Klay Thompson

Stephen Curry was drafted two years before Thompson. When the Warriors’ front office decided to build their team around Curry, Thompson was the ideal backcourt partner to play alongside. They developed a strong relationship both on and off the court during the 11 seasons they played together.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (Image credits – NBA)

During a live stream, Thompson was asked who has been his closest teammate throughout his NBA career.

I say Draymond, just because we are the same age. Steph is like more of a big brother, role model to me because he’s two years older than me. He is an incredible family man.

Klay Thompson on a livestream with PlaqueBoyMax

The Splash Brothers won four championships and made it to six NBA Finals together. They were a part of one of the greatest teams and dynasties of all time during their primes. Therefore, a homecoming for Thompson would be a wonderful moment for Dub Nation as the core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green could all sail into retirement together.

Also Read: