One of the biggest moves since the free agent market opened was the transfer of Golden State Warriors legend Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks. In recent weeks, we understood by all accounts that Clay would leave his hometown team, but we didn’t know where exactly he would go. Dallas’ choice was unexpected.
Thompson signed a contract worth $50 million over three years. As it turned out, the Los Angeles Lakers offered the player a much higher salary – more than $20 million a year. So why did Clay, who was expecting a maximum contract two years ago, refuse to move to Los Angeles?
Klay Thompson
Photo: East Bay Times via Getty Images
Let’s listen to the experts first. Here’s what the prestigious journalist Mark Stein had to say: “Thompson personally met with representatives of the Lakers and Mavericks on Sunday night. Klay’s former teammate on Team USA, Kyrie Irving, was actively involved in poaching Thompson in response to LeBron’s recruitment.”
Chris Haynes, one of the most authoritative NBA experts, also highlighted the important role of Kyrie Irving: “Kyrie Irving played a key role in recruiting Klay Thompson to Dallas.” He actively communicated with Clay, which Thompson appreciated. It is important to note the mutual respect that Kyrie and Klay have for each other, given the NBA Finals matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.
Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
Both journalists highlight Kairi’s important role. This is further proof that Irving now knows how to benefit the team not only on the court, but also off it. Throughout the season, Mavericks players noticed how the star point guard calmed everyone down and was a real mentor for young basketball players. And now he is also helping Dallas build the roster.
However, not everything in this story is clear to me. How did the Mavericks make it to the finals last season? Thanks to protection. Dallas’ main lineup was a combination of two ultra-attacking defenders and three top-line defensive players. It was thanks to this structure that the Texans finally managed to find the balance that leads to success.
Derek Lively, Maxi Kleber, Derrick Jones, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving
Photo: Tim Heitman/Getty Images
There are doubts that Dallas can maintain this balance if Thompson plays as a starting small forward. That’s likely to happen in the first half of the season, especially given the departures of Derrick Jones and Josh Green. But I think as the regular season progresses it will become clear that such a starting five is ineffective.
The Mavericks will most likely try to find a defensive forward before the deadline to move Clay to the bench. Then it can all work out, especially considering Dallas is really short on points from reserve players. Thompson can be on the court with Doncic and Irving when the team needs a comeback or on key offensive possessions, but the trio will be too vulnerable on defense on a consistent basis.
Does Clay understand this? Does he agree with the role of the sixth man? These questions come to mind because Thompson would definitely be a starter for the Lakers. The Ozerniks really need to increase the number of long-distance shots next season, as the team’s new coach, Redick, has already said.
JJ Redick
Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
And here’s what we have in the balance: Dallas with a lower salary and, most likely, a backup role, and the Lakers with a fatter contract and a starting role. Irving must have been very persuasive in communicating with Clay, but does that outweigh all the other factors?
This is where I want to put my tinfoil hat on and suggest that Klay’s personal relationship with LeBron may have been a major factor in the decision. James and the Warriors have been feuding bitterly for 10 years straight, but on a personal level, the King is kind and friendly with Golden State’s players — just look at his relationship with Draymond Green. As for Curry, there’s definitely some head-to-head competition between them, but there’s no reason to believe they have any conflict.
Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Draymond Green
Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
What about LeBron and Klay? They’re definitely not friends and we haven’t really seen them together in public, unlike Curry or Green. But there is one very famous moment between James and Thompson, albeit in absentia.
This happened at the press conference after Game 4 of the 2016 Finals. Golden State was up 3-1, but Draymond Green received a technical foul late in the game and was suspended for Game 5. I think you remember this, in many ways, turning point of the entire matchup. Thompson commented on the incident as follows: “I guess LeBron’s feelings were hurt.” Reporters soon relayed these words to LeBron, to which he responded with that same legendary smile that is still used in “edits” about James on short video platforms.
The video can be viewed on Hoops Center’s YouTube channel. The video is copyrighted by NBA MEDIA VENTURES, LLC.
Is this a reason to believe that Thompson and James don’t have a very good relationship? Of course not. But it will serve as a conspiracy theory!
If you’re looking for slightly less crazy theories, maybe Clay is confused about what the Lakers will be like next season. A team led by a brash, inexperienced coach, where father and son play together and the entire world will be watching closely. Thompson would be in the crosshairs of every major media outlet in the world anyway if he joined the Lakers, and he doesn’t seem like someone who would enjoy that kind of attention. Maybe we’ll learn more information later. I’ll watch.
We are waiting for James’ new deal with the Lakers:
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