Why Klay reportedly chose the Mavs over the Lakers in NBA free agency Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
Klay Thompson had a couple of options when he hit NBA free agency on Sunday, but there were a few factors that influenced 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 helped sway Thompson’s decision. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reportedand Thompson was inspired by the opportunity to compete for a fifth NBA title with Dallas, which was coming off a trip to the NBA Finals.
The Lakers were also “extremely intriguing” to Thompson, but the financial savings of living in Texas instead of California (plus the Mavericks coming within three wins of a championship last season) was a major factor in his decision, Wojnarowski reported, citing sources.
Thompson was also linked to rumors involving several other teams this offseason, such as the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, but in the end, He left behind a historic dynasty in Golden State and agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas.
The Warriors don’t need to see Thompson competing alongside old nemesis LeBron James in Los Angeles, but they will have to battle him, Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić on a Western Conference contender in Dallas.