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Klay Thompson Reveals Why He Chose Mavericks Over Lakers Despite Having a Chat With LeBron James and JJ Redick
Klay Thompson decided to join the Mavericks over the Lakers for a few reasons. Know all about those below.
After a couple of weeks of speculation, Klay Thompson's sweepstakes ended when he decided to join the Dallas Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers. Over a dinner meeting at Bottle Inn Italian restaurant in Hermosa Beach, California, Thompson, alongside his agent and Mavericks executives, explored the prospects of continuing his illustrious career in Dallas.
Despite enticing offers and personal appeals from the Lakers, including from LeBron James himself, Thompson ultimately found the Mavericks' vision more aligned with his aspirations.
Why Dallas Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers?
Klay Thompson was receiving calls from Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers personnel, urging him to join their respective teams. For the Lakers, it was LeBron James and new head coach JJ Redick. On the other end, Mavericks personnel included their president of basketball operations, Nico Harrison, along with former Mavericks great, and current vice president of basketball operations, Michael Finley.
Both parties had great conversations with Klay and the Lakers were confident due to Klay’s father being a former Laker and Klay himself growing up in Los Angeles. However, the 'allure' of the Lakers’ storied franchise and their connection with Klay did not matter as the Lakers ultimately didn't match what the Mavericks had to offer.
After a lengthy discussion on the phone, Dallas Mavericks personnel — Nico Harrison, and Michael Finley decided to continue their conversations over dinner with Klay Thompson. They eventually met at a place near Klay’s childhood home, and Klay had great discussions with them for almost 90-minutes.
Harrison and Finley helped Klay understand life as a Maverick in Dallas. Klay also asked Finley’s personal experiences while playing for Dallas Mavericks and how he can settle in Dallas. This highlights Thompson's genuine interest in what the Mavericks could offer beyond the court.
Besides Harrison, and Finley, Klay even texted routinely with Kyrie Irving. The potential of playing as a spot-up shooter alongside Luka Dončić and Irving, who recently had a finals trip, was an enticing factor in Klay’s decision.
Klay truly believed that he can be an X-factor for the team and his championship experiences would make Dallas a title contender yet again. Additionally, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and the overall environment in Dallas appealed to Thompson's desire for a fresh start.
All of these things influenced Thompson’s decision to join the Mavericks despite getting personal pitches from LeBron James and new Lakers head coach JJ Redick. The prospect of a more balanced role and the opportunity to be a key player in Dallas’s quest for a title were pivotal in his choice.
What happened with the Golden State Warriors
Klay Thompson's decision was also influenced by his deteriorating relationship with the Warriors. It was reported that Klay wanted a contract as low as two years, $20 million, but the Warriors front office was stalling the negotiations.
The Warriors’ perceived lack of interest in retaining him made Thompson feel undervalued. Klay felt a growing disconnect with the Warriors' management, particularly with owner Joe Lacob, as he eventually decided to part ways with the Warriors.
Klay Thompson’s Dallas decision
Klay Thompson decided to sign with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal via sign-and-trade. It reflected his prioritization of career satisfaction over monetary gain. The Mavericks' approach of treating Thompson as their top off-season priority and ensuring a relaxed yet meaningful discussion during their meeting resonated deeply with him.
This new chapter in Dallas offered Thompson not just a chance to continue playing at a high level but also a renewed sense of purpose and peace. While the Lakers offered a promising package, it was the Mavericks’ title ambitions and vision for the future that ultimately won Thompson over.
Read More: When Klay Thompson Opened Up on Being Arrested for a Bag of Weed During College Years
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