Report: Why Klay Picked the Mavs Over the Lakers in NBA Free Agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson had a few options when he entered the NBA as a free agent on Sunday, but there were a few factors that played a role in his decision to ultimately join the Dallas Mavericks.
Thompson’s decision essentially came down to two teams: the Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers.
But a meeting with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and vice president Michael Finley changed Thompson’s mind, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported. Thompson was inspired by the chance to compete for its fifth NBA title with Dallas, which had just reached the NBA Finals.
The Lakers were also “extremely interesting” to Thompson, but the financial savings he got from living in Texas instead of California — and the fact that the Mavericks were three wins away from the championship last season — played a major role in his decision, Wojnarowski said, citing sources.
Thompson was also rumored to be linked to several other teams this offseason, including the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, but he ultimately left a historic dynasty with Golden State and agreed to a reported three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas.
The Warriors won’t have to see Thompson battle old rival LeBron James in LA, but they will face him, Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić in a Western Conference game in Dallas.
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