Klay: 'I look forward to being rejuvenated' with Mavs
Klay Thompson is embracing a change of scenery with the Dallas Mavericks after leaving the Golden State Warriors, the only team he's played for in the NBA.
"Sometimes change can stir greatness and new change of scenery can do wonders," Thompson said at his introductory press conference. "I'm very grateful for my time at Golden State, but I just felt like moving on could re-energize me and do something special for the rest of my career."
The Mavericks acquired Thompson as part of a six-team sign-and-trade, reportedly inking the four-time champion to a three-year, $50-million contract. The Warriors had close to no contract with him at the beginning of free agency, sources told Puleo. Golden State also refused Thompson's contract proposals and wouldn't counter with any offers.
“I look forward to being rejuvenated here," Thompson said, according to The Athletic's Mark Puleo. “There’s a lot of good basketball left in the tank.”
Fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals, Dallas added Thompson along with forward Naji Marshall and wing Quentin Grimes via trade with the Detroit Pistons.
The Warriors benched Thompson just after the halfway point of the season, but he returned to the starting lineup for the final 10 games. He averaged 17.9 points on 43.2% shooting throughout the campaign, along with 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
"There were times last year where it was really tough," Thompson said. "Everyone expects you to be that All-NBA player, and sometimes its hard to consistently do that."
Thompson added: "Sometimes breakups are necessary to do what’s right. I’m not the first athlete in the NBA to go do this."
Golden State was eliminated from playoff contention with a defeat in the first round of the play-in tournament. The Warriors acquired guard Buddy Hield and forward Kyle Anderson in the six-team trade, while also signing wing De'Anthony Melton to a one-year deal.