Could a Klay Thompson-Warriors Reunion Actually Make Sense? It Just Might.
We’re a long way from the days when Klay Thompson was lighting up Oracle Arena, draining threes with machine-like precision and locking down the opposing team’s best scorer. But even in the twilight of his career, there’s a growing sense that a reunion between Thompson and the Golden State Warriors-however unlikely or awkward it may seem-might actually be what both sides need right now.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about nostalgia. This is about fit, familiarity, and the cold reality of what both the Warriors and Thompson are facing in 2026.
Klay’s Struggles in Dallas
Thompson’s time with the Mavericks has been rough. He’s shooting a career-low 38.4% from the field and just 37% from deep-numbers that are a far cry from the elite efficiency he once brought to the court. For a player who built his reputation on being one of the most reliable two-way wings in the game, it’s been a tough adjustment.
But even with the dip in production, there have been flashes. Just recently, he knocked down six threes and poured in 26 points against Utah-a reminder that the shooting touch hasn’t completely vanished.
Earlier this month, he hit another six triples against the same team, a performance that helped push him up to fourth on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list. That’s not nothing.
That’s a sign there’s still something left in the tank.
Golden State’s Shooting Woes
Meanwhile, back in the Bay, the Warriors are in a funk of their own. Stephen Curry is still Stephen Curry, but the supporting cast isn’t holding up its end of the bargain offensively-especially from the perimeter.
Outside of Curry, Golden State just doesn’t have another consistent knockdown shooter, and it’s starting to show. The offense stalls when Curry sits, and even when he's on the floor, defenses are keying in on him with little fear of being punished elsewhere.
That’s where the idea of bringing Thompson back starts to make more sense. No, he’s not the same player who once dropped 37 in a quarter or scored 60 points on 11 dribbles.
But he doesn’t need to be. What the Warriors need is someone who understands their system, can space the floor, and provide a scoring punch-especially off the bench.
Thompson can still do that.
The Mavericks’ Pivot and Klay’s Future
When Thompson chose Dallas in free agency, it was with the goal of chasing another ring. He saw a team with Luka Dončić and championship aspirations.
But that vision crumbled fast. The blockbuster Dončić trade sent the franchise into a rebuild, and now Thompson finds himself on a team that’s more focused on developing young talent than contending.
At this point, if he wants another shot at a title, he’ll likely need to be traded. And among the potential destinations, Golden State-odd as it may sound-could be the most logical.
He knows the system. He knows the personnel.
He knows what it takes to win there. And while his role would be smaller, the expectations would be clearer: come in, hit shots, and help stabilize the second unit.
Could a Deal Work?
If the Warriors wanted to make a move, there’s a path. Jonathan Kuminga’s name has popped up in trade chatter before, and while his upside is still intriguing, his fit in Golden State’s current timeline has always been a bit murky. His value has dipped, as has Thompson’s, but their salaries are close enough to make a deal feasible.
The Warriors aren’t going to get a star for Kuminga, and the Mavericks aren’t going to get a haul for Thompson. But a swap could help both sides reset.
Golden State gets a veteran shooter who fits their system like a glove. Dallas gets a young player with upside to grow alongside their new core.
A Reunion with Risks-and Rewards
Of course, there’s always the emotional baggage. Thompson didn’t leave Golden State on the best of terms.
He felt unwanted. The team, for its part, saw his decline and made a business decision.
That kind of history doesn’t just disappear.
But if both sides can look past the hurt and focus on what’s in front of them, there’s a case to be made. Thompson wants to contend.
The Warriors need shooting. The fit is there, even if the story feels a little messy.
It wouldn’t be the same as before. But maybe that’s okay. Maybe what Golden State needs isn’t the old Klay Thompson-but just enough of him to make one more run matter.