Leaving behind the Dubs’ garb, Klay Thompson is ready for his next chapter in the NBA. Endless memories, moments, and achievements garner the 34-year-old’s 13-year stay at the Golden State Warriors. But now it’s time to move on. Maybe, none of the forces could’ve stopped Thompson from finding his way out also, because he was allegedly unhappy with his status in the team. So, Killa Klay is on a quest to regain his respect on the court. And what better place than the runners-up of the 2023-24 season?

It remains no secret that Klay Thompson has found his new abode in Dallas Mavericks from the 2024 NBA season. Thompson could’ve chosen the LA Lakers who were more than eager for the Dubs legend. But given the fact that LeBron James & Co. are nothing less than a “Soap Opera” as Zach Lowe sees it, Killa Klay took the simpler route for a $50 million, 3-year contract with the Mavs.  However, a teeny-tiny trouble lies with the whole starting position chaos. Last season was tough for Thompson. A dip in performance saw him out of the starting lineup, which was pretty upsetting. NBA insiders Trevor Lane and Keith Smith discussed this on their NBA Front Row podcast. Will Klay reclaim his starting spot with the Mavs, or will Grimes/Naji Marshall take it?

Trevor Lane analyzes: “I would have to imagine it’s Klay. I think based on his play but also as a respect thing and all of that. And based on what he’s done throughout his career that usually is going to carry weight in a locker room as well. The fact that he’s been a starter for his career, so I would have to imagine it’s going to be Klay.” It only makes sense, when you see that the 5-time All-Star, Klay Thompson takes on the court before someone as new as Grimes.  Moreover, he’s at the Dallas Maverick to rebound from the upsets of 2023. Thompson wouldn’t want to go back to the old situations all over again, now will he?

Most importantly, it goes without saying, that Steph Curry‘s partner in crime is an asset for any team. No wonder, King LeBron was willing to chop off a sum from his pay for the Lakers, to have Klay Thompson with them. Was it of any benefit? Well, the results scream, NO!

LeBron James’ failed $61 million sacrifice to bring Klay Thompson under the Lakers’ umbrella

Have you imagined how strange it’d feel to not see the Splash Brothers in action from the 2024 season onwards? Well, now that Klay Thompson has switched lanes from the Dubs to the Mavs, nothing much can be done. Reminiscing the good old days is all that the fans are going to have. But, what if Killa Klay chose the squad of another legend? To put it simply: Wasn’t the LA Lakers a potential choice? The answer is yes. It could’ve been a choice and a good one might we just add.

In reality, LeBron James was willing to slice off $61 million from his salary just to get Klay Thompson or James Harden into the iconic team. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin stated that James is willing to take a lesser deal to help the Lakers sign another prominent player. “The type of player that James would be willing to make a financial sacrifice for would be an established veteran playmaker,” reported McMenamin.  LeBron remains a force to be reckoned with even in the twilight of his career. But the Lakers’ heartbreaking 2023-24 season might have been enough for Thompson to not swallow the bait.

A five-time defeat against the Denver Nuggets saw the lights go out on their playoffs. This led to the firing of head coach Darvin Ham, and now J.J. Redick will take the helm. Moreover, the team added Dalton Knecht and LeBron’s son Bronny in the 2024 NBA Draft. Thus adding someone as legendary as Klay Thompson or James Harden would kind of shake the finances further. Given the fact that King James signing at the highest value would hinder that opportunity, even if it would be justified.

Maybe, when Thompson is done with his stay at the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James’ team could dip their fishing rods in the transfer market. A special bait, exclusively for Killa Klay. And by the time that happens, most probably we’ll find the King of the Courts hanging his boots.