Could Klay Thompson Return to the Warriors? After a Tough Dallas Stint, the Door Might Be Open
For 13 years, Klay Thompson was a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors - a four-time NBA champion, five-time All-Star, and one-half of the greatest shooting backcourt the league has ever seen. But after a difficult exit and a rocky new chapter in Dallas, the idea of a reunion in the Bay Area isn’t just nostalgic - it’s starting to feel real.
Thompson’s move to the Mavericks was supposed to be a fresh opportunity. A chance to play alongside Luka Dončić, one of the most dynamic offensive engines in basketball, and chase another ring in a new environment.
But things changed - fast. Dončić was traded, and suddenly Thompson found himself in a situation that didn’t suit his game at all.
Instead of playing off a high-level creator, Thompson has been forced to find rhythm alongside Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard - two young guards still learning the ropes. And for a player like Klay, who thrives off movement, timing, and catch-and-shoot opportunities, that kind of drop-off in playmaking support is a recipe for frustration.
Let’s be clear: Thompson isn’t the same player he was during the Warriors' dynasty years. His defense has slipped, and the explosiveness that once made him a two-way force has faded.
He’s averaging career lows across the board - minutes, points, assists - and for the first time in his career, he's shooting under 38% from deep. But even in decline, he remains one of the purest shooters the game has ever seen.
When he gets the right looks, he’s still knocking down nearly 40% of his threes. That skill doesn’t vanish overnight.
The Mavericks, now 11 games under .500, are clearly pivoting toward a youth movement. Their focus is on building around Cooper Flagg, the teenage phenom they’re hoping will be the face of their next era.
At 35, Thompson doesn’t fit that timeline. He’s under contract for $17.4 million next season, but Dallas is reportedly shopping him ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
There’s a growing sense that Thompson could be moved to a rebuilding team that might buy out the final year of his deal - a situation not unlike what happened with Marcus Smart last year. If that happens, the runway for a Golden State return becomes a lot clearer.
And let’s not kid ourselves - this is a move that would resonate far beyond the basketball court. Thompson’s departure from the Warriors was tough for everyone involved, especially Stephen Curry, who made it clear he wanted his longtime teammate to stay.
The chemistry between Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green defined an era of basketball. Even if they’re no longer title contenders, the idea of those three finishing their careers together still carries weight - for the franchise, for the fans, and for the legacy they built.
The Warriors have an opportunity here. Not just to bring back a familiar face, but to give one of their all-time greats a chance to finish where he started. It wouldn’t be about chasing another championship - it would be about closing the book the right way.
There’s still a lot that needs to happen. Thompson would need to be moved, bought out, and willing to take a discount.
Golden State would need to find a roster spot and a role that makes sense. But if all the pieces fall into place, we could be looking at a storybook ending for one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
Stay tuned. This saga might not be over just yet.