Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors last offseason felt like the end of an era. But after a shaky start in Dallas, the five-time All-Star could be headed back to the Bay – at least, that’s what one NBA analyst is proposing.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea, the Warriors may pursue a shocking reunion with Thompson in a final push to recapture championship form with Stephen Curry.
Thompson, who helped lead the Warriors to four NBA titles from 2015 to 2022, signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks last summer after failing to reach an extension with Golden State. Despite starting all 72 games for Dallas, his production dipped notably.
He averaged just 14.0 points per game, the lowest mark since his rookie season, and shot 41.2 percent from the field, showing signs of wear as he entered his mid-30s.
Meanwhile, Dallas fell short of expectations, battling injuries and inconsistent play throughout the season. The result? A middling 39-win finish and questions surrounding the long-term viability of their roster.
Still, Thompson’s shooting remains elite by league standards, with his 3-point percentage hovering near 39 percent, making him an attractive option for teams needing veteran perimeter help.
Warriors could reunite Splash Brothers
In his mock trade scenario, Shea suggests the Warriors send sharpshooter Buddy Hield and second-year forward Trayce Jackson-Davis to Dallas in exchange for Thompson. The logic is simple: Thompson offers more playoff-proven chemistry with Curry and Draymond Green than Hield does, while the Mavericks receive younger assets in return.
Thompson, now 35, wouldn’t be expected to carry the scoring load.
Instead, he’d slide into a familiar role-providing spacing, defensive versatility, and veteran leadership. Shea argues this change of scenery, back to the system he knows best, could rejuvenate his numbers and confidence.
“Klay isn’t the player he once was,” Shea writes, “but he’s still dangerous enough to shift playoff games.”
Golden State’s core, however, is ageing fast. Curry is 37. Draymond Green is 35. Midseason trade addition Jimmy Butler and expected free-agent signing Al Horford are also well into their 30s.
A Thompson reunion would further tilt the roster toward experience, raising concerns about durability and long-term planning.
But the Warriors aren’t building for the distant future, they’re chasing one more ring. With the Western Conference wide open and Thompson available at a relatively modest trade price, Golden State could decide it’s worth the risk.
Bringing back Klay wouldn’t just be a roster move. It would be a bet on continuity, legacy, and the belief that magic can strike one more time.
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