Key Takeaways:
– Klay Thompson, a five-time All-Star Shooting Guard, left Golden State Warriors for a three-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks.
– Despite the sign of a shaken relationship with the Warriors, Thompson’s departure might be a salary cap blessing for the team.
– Since post-injury, Thompson’s game relies heavily on his 3-point shooting skills, diminishing his value as a versatile two-way defender.
– Yet, Thompson’s 3-point shooting ability remains a highly sought-after skill in the NBA, making him a great fit alongside Luka Dončić in Dallas.
The Unforeseen Blessing in Thompson’s Departure
When Klay Thompson declined Golden State Warriors’ two-year extension worth $48 million and ventured to Dallas Mavericks for a reduced annual average salary, he might have unknowingly done the Warriors a financial favor. This favor seemed evident based on an argument made by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, where he counted Thompson’s contract as one of the five overpays of the early 2024 free agency.
The Intrinsic Worth in Thompson’s Game Play
Thompson returned to the game after suffering from back-to-back knee injuries and played a crucial role in helping the Warriors win their fourth title. However, the severity of the injuries has left a significant change in his gameplay. While Stephen Curry remained at the top of his game, Thompson’s reputation as a top two-way defender took a hit.
Post-injury, a majority of his shots came from beyond the arc, indicating a limited range in his offense. A far cry from his days of bustling on-court movement, Thompson is now often spotted at the perimeter, a testament to his transformation into a shooting specialist. Buckley revealed Thompson’s evolving game style, noting that age and injuries have somewhat silenced his defense and offensive action within the arc.
Thompson’s Worth Across Teams
Although Thompson’s overall game may have degraded, he holds value in being a top-tier 3-point shooter. His elite skill seamlessly fits alongside a floor manager like the Mavericks’ Luka Dončić, which justifies his contract with the Mavs. Last season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game, connecting on 38.7% of his shots from behind the arc. He also notched up the fourth-highest total of 3-pointers – 268 in the 77 regular-season games.
Judging Thompson’s true worth depends much on the team’s perspective and need. For the Mavericks, if Thompson could play frequently, maybe even add a touch of defense, his $50-million contract for the next three seasons might appear well deserving, especially if he assists them to victory.
On the other hand, the Warriors, struggling to scrape out of the Play-In Tournament last postseason, could hardly justify the equivalent pay for Thompson. Given their current status, they undoubtedly need much more than just Thompson’s 3-point shooting skills to regain their championship glory.
Thus, Thompson’s departure, may have been more of a blessing in disguise for the Warriors, considering the financial and team performance perspectives. It may have saved them from overpaying a player who couldn’t deliver to the level they needed. Thompson’s adventure to Dallas acts as a vivid reminder that in the high-stakes world of NBA, player contracts are as much about current performance as they are about future potential.