Klay Thompson joining the Dallas Mavericks this offseason was a bitter-sweet moment for basketball fans. On one hand, fans of the Golden State Warriors weren’t pleased with the franchise failing to keep him. While on the other hand, Mavericks fans were excited with his addition to their roster. Lately though, billionaire Mark Cuban has revealed how Thompson playing with Luka Doncic next season would look like.
Cuban is the minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks and in charge of basketball operations at the franchise. He appeared recently on The Roommates Show, to answer some questions about the team’s offseason moves, particularly about Klay Thompson.
We wanted to keep that defensive mindset, but we also wanted somebody that was going to be able to make a three. Because Luka [Doncic] is always going to get you an open look… And then obviously, the big addition was Klay. At Golden State, he had to always be on the move… We don’t do that… But just standing in the corner and just catch and shoot from Luka and Kyrie, hopefully his life is going to be a lot easier.
Mark Cuban said
According to him, Thompson will find his stay with the Mavs less stressful than it was at the Warriors. Cuban also stated that while both teams want to win games, their approaches are really different. He added that all the 34-year-old has to do is receive passes from Luka Doncic or Irving and just score.
Cuban’s comments make sense, considering that Thompson is already in the later years of his career. Hence, while he’s still a great player, he would likely be less fluid than his previous levels. Nonetheless, acquiring the services of the four-time NBA champion speaks volumes of the Mavericks offseason business. Especially as he brings loads of playoff experience with him to the team.
Draymond Green talks about Klay Thompson joining the Mavericks
The Golden State Warriors had a very poor offseason to forget, as they lost two key pieces for nothing. They waived Chris Paul and then lost Klay Thompson after negotiations over his contract didn’t work out. With the team left with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as their biggest stars, the latter opened up on his teammate’s departure.
Green surprisingly admitted that he was happy about the shooting guard departing. He further said that it was because Thompson wasn’t happy at Golden State any longer. According to him, there’s no point in keeping an unhappy player on the roster. He said via the Club 520 Podcast:
I’m happy as hell he’s gone. The reason I’m happy he’s gone is because he wasn’t happy anymore. As a brother, I only want what’s best for you, not what’s best for me, not what’s best for this team.
Draymond Green said
Both NBA stars won championships and shared many memorable moments together. Nevertheless, the five-time All-Star is officially gone, and Green has wished him well. With the 2024-25 season around the corner, the Mavericks and Thompson will aim to put up a strong challenge.
