Could Klay Thompson Return To Golden State?

It’s been nearly a season and a half, and seeing Klay Thompson in a Dallas Mavericks uniform still feels wrong. After 11 years, four championships, and countless highlight reel moments, the 2024 trade involving six teams, multiple players, and numerous draft picks ultimately broke up the “Splash Brothers” and was one of the worst moments in Golden State Warriors history. But one of the great things about life is that sometimes we get a do-over. Since stranger things have happened in the NBA, the idea of Thompson coming home for a final chapter isn't as far-fetched as you might think.

Thompson’s move to Dallas came as the result of a sign-and-trade after the Warriors stated they weren’t going to re-sign him. With the thought of playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the addition of one of the best catch-and-shoot players in league history made sense. Unfortunately for Thompson, playing alongside Doncic lasted just 22 games and 50 with Irving. After shooting 45% from the field and 41% from downtown as a Warrior, Thompson has seen his percentages drop to 40% and 38%, while contributing approximately six fewer points. Clearly not what Thompson or the Mavericks signed up for.

Not fitting into the Mavericks' rebuilding timeline, it might make sense for the Warriors to welcome back one of the team’s all-time greats. 

"'It would be unbelievable,' Curry said of the idea. 'If that time comes and that conversation is had, of course I'm calling him and saying, "We want you back." And, hopefully, that would be a welcome message to him. But as we stand right now, that does seem like a far-distant reality. But so did him leaving.'"

So what would it actually take? First, timing. Thompson's Dallas contract runs through 2026-27. A reunion would likely mean either waiting until he's a free agent again or orchestrating another trade. Considering the current cap space for both teams, that doesn’t seem like an option with Thompson owed $16.6 million this year and $17.4 million next season. Unless the Mavericks waive him and the Warriors sign him for a veteran minimum, realistically, we're talking about a 2027 homecoming. 

At that point, Thompson would be pushing 37 years of age, and with the Warriors' core already one of the oldest in the league, the team would need to still be competitive, which depends entirely on Curry's longevity.  They'd also need roster flexibility, and while Thompson’s shooting stroke may age well in a familiar setting, the front office would have to show a willingness to prioritize sentiment over pure production. 

Would it be the best business decision? Maybe not from a winning standpoint. Would it be heartfelt and rewarding, giving two (three if you would like to add in Draymond Green) of the franchise’s greatest players an ending they deserve? Absolutely.