Klay Thompson Says He Wants To Win An NBA Title For A Very Special Reason

Klay Thompson played an integral role in building the Golden State Warriors' dynasty of the late 2010s. Now that he’s more of a grizzled vet than a bona fide number two option, he knows that he can help youngsters get to the next level sooner rather than later.

This season, Thompson will be playing alongside a young generational talent in Cooper Flagg. A viral clip shows Thompson interacting with the 2025 top overall pick and, from the looks of it, the former Splash Brother has Flagg’s best interests at heart.

“I want a ring, bro. Been there, done that. Trying to get Coop on that list with Magic and Bill Russell,” Thompson says within earshot of Flagg in the clip. “That’s what I’m talking about. Shoot for the stars, bro.”

Thompson then walks away, and Flagg gets to talk about his reaction to the 12-year veteran. “Klay [has] been treating me well. Been giving us books, knowledge, wisdom,” he says. “Great vet, man.”

At 35 years of age, Thompson can genuinely say that he has seen it all in the NBA. Playing with Steph Curry and Draymond Green, Thompson enjoyed four championship reigns in Golden State, striking fear in the hearts of other teams with his breathtaking shooting and perimeter defense.

As far as adversity goes, the 6-foot-5 guard had his fair share, tearing his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals, then injuring his Achilles prior to the 2020–2021 season. One of the feel-good storylines of the Warriors’ 2022 championship run was the triumphant return of Thompson to the court.

Last season, Thompson joined the Mavericks via a six-team sign-and-trade scenario. Midway through the 2024–25 campaign, he had a front-row seat to history when his teammate Luka Doncic was shockingly dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.

The Mavericks’ roster this season is a formidable one on paper, as it features a balanced attack with youngsters like Flagg and wise old heads like Thompson and Davis. However, the Mavs will have to prove that they can stave off the injury bug in order to realize their full potential in the league.

If Dallas can pull this off in the upcoming season, Thompson could win his fifth ring for the benefit of both his Hall of Fame résumé and the legacy of his 18-year-old running mate.