Klay Thompson had several options when he became an NBA free agent on Sunday, but several factors ultimately influenced his decision to join the Dallas Mavericks.
Thompson's decision essentially came down to two teams: the Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers.
But according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, a meeting with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and executive vice president Michael Finley changed Thompson's mind, and he was inspired by the chance to compete for a fifth NBA title with Dallas, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance.
While the Lakers were “very interesting” to Thompson, the financial savings of living in Texas instead of California, along with the Mavericks coming three wins away from winning the championship last season, were major factors in his decision, Wojnarowski reported, citing a source close to the deal.
Thompson was also linked to several other teams this offseason, including the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, but ultimately left his historic dynasty with Golden State behind, agreeing to a reported three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas.
The Warriors won't have to see Thompson compete alongside longtime nemesis LeBron James in Los Angeles, but they will have to face Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on a Western Conference championship-contender team in Dallas.
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