The Golden State Warriors' decision to engage in a sign-and-trade with Klay Thompson is proving to be a strategic masterstroke. While Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks was technically free agency, the trade dynamics have continually favored the Warriors, especially given Thompson's struggles in Dallas.
Thompson joined the Mavericks with high hopes of forming a dynamic duo with Luka Doncic. After witnessing Doncic and Kyrie Irving's run to the NBA Finals the previous year, Thompson envisioned a similar trajectory. However, the current landscape in Dallas is vastly different from when he signed.
The Warriors' foresight in the trade is now crystal clear.
Breaking Down the Thompson Trade
The sign-and-trade involving Thompson was part of a complex six-team deal, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the crux of the matter for Golden State lies in their dealings with the Mavericks.
In exchange for Thompson and a 2031 second-round pick swap with the Timberwolves, the Warriors acquired Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield-both of whom became pivotal assets.
Anderson was later flipped in a trade that brought Jimmy Butler to the Warriors, while Hield was sent to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis at this year’s trade deadline.
The real victory for Golden State, though, extends beyond these acquisitions. It’s tied to Thompson’s performance post-trade. He’s currently logging the fewest minutes of his career at just 22.1 per game, and there were even rumblings of the Mavericks looking to move him at the trade deadline-efforts that ultimately didn’t materialize.
Had Thompson remained with the Warriors, he might have continued his progression in a familiar system. Similarly, had the Mavericks retained Doncic, Thompson's trajectory might have been different.
Yet, in the unfolding reality, the Warriors are emerging as the clear winners of the Thompson trade, capitalizing on both their strategic moves and the challenges faced by Thompson in Dallas.