Are the Splash Brothers about to break up?
As the NBA’s free agency countdown looms closer, Klay Thompson’s tenure with the Golden State Warriors appears to be rapidly dwindling, with reports suggesting a potential move to the Dallas Mavericks as a viable option.
Renowned NBA insider Marc Stein recently disclosed that there is “strong mutual interest” between Thompson and the reigning Western Conference champions, the Dallas Mavericks, regarding a prospective new contract.
Stein further noted that negotiations with the Warriors have stalled, signaling a possible departure for Thompson from the only team he has ever played for.
“The prospect of Klay Thompson leaving the only team he has ever known is suddenly looking more and more like an inevitability as NBA free agency draws near,” Stein remarked, highlighting the shifting dynamics in Thompson’s career path.
Thompson’s recent season statistics underscore a noticeable decline in scoring output, averaging 17.9 points per game, his lowest since his sophomore year in the league back in 2012-13. Additionally, he experienced a significant shift in his role, briefly falling out of the starting lineup for the first time since his rookie season.
Amidst this backdrop, Stein emphasized that the relationship between Thompson and the Warriors has soured over time, creating an opening for the Mavericks to emerge as frontrunners for his services.
RELATED: Sixers, Nuggets Reportedly Interested in Klay Thompson Amid Pending Free Agency
“With the Warriors and Thompson nowhere close to a contract agreement after a tumultuous season marked by fractious negotiations, multiple sources have indicated that the Mavericks are likely to emerge as the favorite to sign the shooting guard,” Stein elaborated, pointing to a clear path forward for Thompson towards Dallas.
Stein also reported that the Warriors have redirected their focus towards pursuing another high-profile player, Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers.
This strategic pivot, particularly after minimal communication between Thompson’s camp and the Warriors, has further strained the relationship between Thompson and his longtime team.
“Golden State has this week focused on the trade pursuit of George above all other business,” Stein disclosed. “And that, after months of spotty and now scant contact between the sides, has only further chilled the state of Thompson’s relationship with the team that selected him No. 11 overall out of Washington State in the 2011 NBA Draft.”
As Thompson navigates the complexities of free agency and contemplates a potential new chapter with the Mavericks, his impending decision promises to reshape the landscape of the NBA, while the Warriors face the challenge of reconciling with the possible departure of a cornerstone player who has defined their recent success.