Klay Thompson’s move from the Golden State Warriors to the Dallas Mavericks was driven by his belief that Dallas offered a better shot at another title. This shift in direction marked a remarkable turning point in his career. However, there were deeper influences at play, particularly Kyrie Irving.
In an interview with NBC Sports, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd revealed that Irving played a key role in persuading Thompson. “Kai’s player-to-player insights about his experience in Dallas over the past two years were instrumental in helping Klay see the potential of joining our team,” Kidd explained.
Irving, who had bounced between several teams before finding his stride with the Mavericks, was well-positioned to encourage Thompson’s move. His transition to Dallas had been a transformative one, leading to greater success on the court.
The Mavericks, much improved since Irving’s arrival, even made it to the Finals last season, which undoubtedly influenced Thompson’s decision. With Irving’s endorsement, Thompson was assured that Dallas could be a strong fit for him both professionally and personally.
Although Thompson had numerous options, he was still highly sought after by other franchises. His decision to join Dallas was fueled by his championship aspirations and Irving’s advice.