The door never really closed - not in the minds of Warriors fans, and certainly not in the heart of Stephen Curry. Klay Thompson may be wearing a different jersey these days, but the idea of a reunion with Golden State is very much alive.
Thompson, who left the Warriors in 2024 after 13 unforgettable seasons, helped define a dynasty alongside Curry. Four titles, five All-Star selections, and countless unforgettable moments later, his legacy in the Bay is secure. But with the Warriors searching for answers in a turbulent season, and Thompson finding mixed results in Dallas, the idea of bringing the Splash Brothers back together is gaining traction.
Now, there’s buzz around a potential - and admittedly wild - eight-team trade scenario that could land Thompson back in Golden State. While the logistics of such a mega-deal are, let’s be honest, bordering on fantasy, the underlying idea is rooted in something real: the Warriors are actively exploring ways to reshape their roster, and Thompson remains a name worth watching.
The proposed trade scenario involves a labyrinth of moving parts: the Utah Jazz stepping in as a landing spot for Jonathan Kuminga, the Mavericks moving off Thompson, and four other teams - the Magic, Nuggets, Raptors, and Suns - all maneuvering to duck under the luxury tax line. Add in the Brooklyn Nets as a financial facilitator with cap space to absorb contracts, and you've got eight teams entangled in a deal that, while creative, is far from straightforward.
Even if the eight-team version never sees the light of day, the core idea still holds water: if the Warriors can find a realistic path to bring Thompson back before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, it could be a meaningful move - not just emotionally, but strategically.
Let’s be clear: Thompson isn’t the same player he was during the peak of the Warriors’ run. His production in Dallas has been uneven, and age and injuries have taken a toll.
But he’s still a career 40.9% shooter from deep, and there’s no substitute for the kind of playoff-tested experience he brings. More importantly, his chemistry with Curry is second nature - the kind of on-court synergy that doesn’t need time to develop.
It’s already there, ready to be reignited.
In a season where Golden State has struggled to find its rhythm and identity, adding a player who knows the system, the expectations, and the stakes could be a stabilizing force. Thompson wouldn’t solve every issue - the Warriors’ problems run deeper than just perimeter shooting - but he would instantly provide an upgrade over current options like Buddy Hield.
Golden State’s front office knows the clock is ticking. With the trade deadline looming and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, any move they make has to walk the line between sentiment and strategy. A Thompson reunion would check both boxes - a nod to the past, but also a bet on what he can still bring to the table.
The Warriors are watching the market closely. And if there’s a path - whether it’s through a blockbuster or a simpler deal - don’t be surprised if the Splash Brothers find themselves back on the same bench, chasing one more run together.