The Dallas Mavericks managed to lure Klay Thompson away from the Golden State Warriors, the only team he had ever played for, by offering him a 3-year, $50 million deal this offseason. According to Mavericks’ head coach Jason Kidd, Kyrie Irving played a crucial role in this recruitment process.
In a recent interview on NBC Sports’ “Dubs Talk,” Kidd highlighted Irving’s impact on attracting Thompson. “There were many people involved in the recruitment, but one of the key figures was Kai. His ability to share his personal experience of playing in Dallas over the past two years and to honestly convey what he believes Klay could experience here was invaluable.”
Irving himself was in a similar position when he joined Dallas, having been labeled as a problematic player after challenging stints with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. While Thompson’s reputation hasn’t suffered as much, he had become discontent with the Warriors, feeling slighted during contract negotiations. He perceived that the Warriors’ management favored extensions for Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, leaving him feeling sidelined.
Irving rejuvenated his career with a standout season in Dallas, averaging 25.6 points per game and helping the team reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. The Mavericks went out of their way to accommodate him, even providing a private chef during Ramadan.
After a frustrating season with the Warriors, Thompson is hopeful that a new environment will restore his joy for the game. Despite a stellar career with Golden State, including four championships and five All-Star selections, Thompson now looks forward to teaming up with Irving and Luka Doncic, forming a formidable offensive trio.
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