Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks’ Effective Attempt to Match Klay Thompson with Luka Doncic The Dallas Mavericks were able to come to an agreement to sign Klay Thompson as a free agent, despite the Los Angeles Lakers’ best attempts.
Following their trip to the NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks did not remain content. Despite LeBron James’s efforts to entice him to the Los Angeles Lakers, they signed four-time champion Klay Thompson following his split with the Golden State Warriors. A sign-and-trade agreement involving the Warriors and Charlotte Hornets made it possible for Thompson to join the Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. In this trade, Golden State will receive two second-round picks and Josh Green will go to Charlotte.
A player must agree to a contract at least three years in length to be eligible for a sign-and-trade. Thompson, who averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season, did so without an option included in the deal. From a compensation standpoint, he signed for less on the surface. Still, the difference in taxes in Texas versus California was considered, along with just how close Dallas was to being a championship team.
The Lakers were naturally a strong draw for Thompson. His father, Mychal, not only played for the organization from 1987 to 1991 but is currently a radio broadcaster. James did his best to recruit Thompson shortly after free agency opened. Considering they are coming off a first-round exit that ended in five games against the Denver Nuggets, Thompson likely viewed joining the Mavericks as a better option to compete for what would be his fifth championship.
The Mavericks reportedly met with Thompson, including Irving, in Los Angeles to help draw Thompson’s interest. Irving had no shortage of duels in the NBA Finals with Thompson when the Cleveland Cavaliers and Warriors. Irving’s recruiting execution doesn’t come as a surprise, considering during his free agency last summer and in closed meetings, he’s provided input on who he wants to play with, highlighting options in future free agency classes.
