Klay Thompson’s Post-Warriors Journey: Old Bonds, New Team and Lingering Regrets
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San Francisco — Dec. 18, 2025 — For the first time in 17 months, Klay Thompson will step on the Chase Center floor in a Dallas Mavericks uniform on Christmas Day, highlighting an emotional split that still resonates inside the Golden State Warriors.
From dynasty trio to distant teammates
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Thompson once envisioned finishing their careers together after collecting four NBA championships. That plan shifted when two devastating injuries — a torn ACL in 2019 and a ruptured Achilles in 2020 — sidelined Thompson for 941 days and complicated extension talks with Warriors ownership.
Golden State offered a reported two-year, $48 million extension in 2023, but negotiations stalled. The franchise prioritized a run at free-agent Paul George in 2024, and Thompson felt marginalized. He ultimately chose Dallas in a sign-and-trade that provided a larger deal but intensified his frustration over how the Warriors handled the process.
Reunions off the court
In February, during a Warriors road swing, Curry and Green spent an evening at Thompson’s Dallas home, playing chess, tabletop soccer and putting contests on the backyard green. Curry called the visit an “acknowledgement of the finality” of their breakup, though the three avoided detailed discussion about the split.
Competitive sparks remain
The next night, Thompson scored 17 points, picked off a Green pass and blocked a Curry floater as the Mavericks edged Golden State 111-107. According to team sources, Thompson celebrated loudly afterward, declaring the Warriors erred by not prioritizing his return. Curry had delivered a similar competitive jab months earlier, shouting, “You better stay here!” to a television camera after a late three versus Dallas.
Strained ties with management
Thompson’s frustration dates to comments he heard second-hand about owner Joe Lacob suggesting the guard should be grateful for his 2019 five-year max contract. Thompson believed his injuries were part of the risk any franchise assumes with a star who helped build a dynasty.
Lacob later texted Thompson a string of favorite photos and promised to retire his No. 11 jersey. Despite that gesture, people close to Thompson say his feelings toward management remain “a bit cold.”
Mixed results in Dallas
Thompson, now in his second Mavericks season, joined a roster that has since undergone seismic change. Dallas traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 2, 2025, fired general manager Nico Harrison on Nov. 11 and inserted rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg as the primary ball-handler.
After shooting 31.8% overall and 26.2% from three through seven games, Thompson accepted a move to the bench, a shift that caused turmoil in his final Golden State season but has been smoother in Dallas. Over the past month, he has connected on 40.7% of his threes while the Mavericks have gone 7-7.
The veteran is owed $17 million next season, and league sources expect Dallas’ new front office to gauge his trade value before February’s deadline. Thompson has told associates he prefers a contender, but his contract could complicate a deal.
Future reunion not ruled out
Curry hopes Thompson eventually signs a ceremonial contract to retire as a Warrior and has not dismissed the possibility of a final playing stint together. Thompson, preparing for his 15th NBA season, said, “I don’t know what the future holds,” though sources believe Curry’s influence could reopen the Bay Area door.
For now, the two longtime Splash Brothers will meet as opponents on Dec. 25, a holiday showcase that underscores both the glory of their shared past and the uncertainty of Thompson’s present.
Source: ESPN
