Why Klay Reportedly Chose Mavs Over Lakers In NBA Free Agency originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson had a few options when he hit NBA free agency on Sunday, but there were a few factors that played into his decision to finally join the Dallas Mavericks.
Thompson’s decision essentially came down to two teams: The Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.
But a meeting with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and vice president Michael Finley helped sway Thompson’s mind, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reportedand Thompson was inspired by the chance to compete for a fifth NBA title with Dallas, which had just traveled to the NBA Finals.
The Lakers were also “extremely intriguing” to Thompson, but the financial savings of living in Texas rather than California — plus the Mavericks were three wins away from a championship last season — were a big factor in his decision. Wojnarowski reported, citing sources.
Thompson was also linked to rumors involving several other teams this offseason, such as the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, but in the end he left a historic dynasty behind with Golden State and agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas.
The Warriors don’t have to see Thompson compete alongside longtime foe LeBron James in Los Angeles, but they will have to battle him, Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić in a Western Conference contender in Dallas.
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