After 13 years with the Warriors, Klay Thompson decided to embark on a new journey this offseason and joined the Mavericks on a three-year deal. The decision wasn’t easy, as the franchise was keen on retaining one of its greatest players. However, Mark Cuban knew exactly how to convince the veteran guard to leave the team and move to Dallas.
Advertisement
On the Club Shay Shay podcast, host Shannon Sharpe asked him how he convinced Thompson to leave the Warriors and join the Mavericks. Cuban explained that the team tapped into the guard’s desire to prove he was still among the best two-way players in the league after a difficult season. He said,
“If you’re the number one, like Steph’s not going anywhere. The number two guy, if it’s not going the way you want, then the door is open… Somebody who’s really got something to prove and Klay’s got a lot to prove.”
Cuban explained that he knew he could sway Thompson’s mind and convince him to join the team. He credited general manager Nico Harrison, head coach Jason Kidd, and guard Kyrie Irving for helping in his quest to push the four-time NBA champion to swap teams after 13 years. He said,
“The timing was right. Kudos to Klay for being willing to make the move. Kudos to [Nico Harrison], [Jason Kidd], and [Kyrie Irving] for making it happen,” Cuban said.
Thompson’s addition to a team that made it to the NBA Finals last season is an exciting prospect and even franchise icon Dirk Nowitzki is eagerly waiting to see him in action.
Nowitzki is excited about Thompson joining the Mavericks
During an appearance on the DLLS Sports podcast, the Hall of Famer was asked about his thoughts about the Mavericks landing Thompson. He said,
“Obviously feel honored that one of the Splash Brothers is there and is with the Mavs now. And, so we’re excited to have him for sure.”
Thompson is coming off a torrid campaign with the Warriors and some are concerned that Dallas have signed a player who’s clearly past his prime. However, Cuban believes he’d be a lot more impactful in the upcoming campaign due to his simplified role on the Mavericks.He said,
“[His role would be] Just standing in the corner and standing in the wings, just catch and shoot from Luka and Kai. Hopefully, his life is going to be a lot easier.”
Thompson needed a fresh start and the Mavericks needed an elite shooter. It was a perfect match on paper but remains to be seen whether their partnership translates just as seamlessly on the court.
