The Golden State Warriors could be on the verge of a blockbuster reunion with their former star, Klay Thompson, in a trade proposal that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community. After spending 13 years with the Warriors and contributing to four NBA championships, Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 offseason. However, recent struggles in Dallas have sparked speculation about a potential return to Golden State.
A Struggling Fit in Dallas
Klay Thompson’s tenure with the Mavericks has not gone as planned. Despite signing a three-year, $50 million contract, Thompson has struggled to find his rhythm alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Through his first 23 games with Dallas, he is averaging 13.2 points per game on 38.8% field goal shooting and 36.4% from three-point range—numbers that pale in comparison to his peak performance with the Warriors. The Mavericks’ backcourt-heavy offense has not fully utilized Thompson’s skill set, leading to discussions about his future.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have faced their own challenges. After a strong start to the 2024-25 season, Golden State has cooled off, sitting at 15-10 and sixth in the Western Conference. The team has leaned heavily on Stephen Curry, who is averaging 23.0 points per game, but lacks consistent scoring from the wing positions. Dennis Schröder, acquired from the Nets, has been a solid addition, but the Warriors are still searching for a reliable second scoring option to complement Curry.
The Proposed Trade
According to a trade idea proposed by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Warriors could bring Thompson back in a deal that would send Dennis Schröder, Gary Payton II, and a 2026 second-round pick to the Mavericks. This trade would allow Dallas to bolster its defensive versatility with Payton and add Schröder as a dynamic ball-handler to support Dončić and Irving. For Golden State, the move would reunite Thompson with Curry and Draymond Green, recreating the core that dominated the NBA for nearly a decade.
The financials of the deal work, as Thompson’s $15.9 million salary aligns closely with the combined salaries of Schröder ($13 million) and Payton ($9.1 million). The inclusion of a second-round pick sweetens the deal for Dallas, which could use additional draft capital to build around its young core.
Why It Makes Sense
For the Warriors, bringing back Thompson addresses several needs. His elite shooting and familiarity with Steve Kerr’s system would provide an immediate boost to Golden State’s offense. Thompson’s ability to stretch the floor would create more space for Curry and open driving lanes for players like Jonathan Kuminga. Additionally, his return could reignite the championship chemistry that made the Warriors a dynasty.
For the Mavericks, moving Thompson could help balance their roster. Schröder’s playmaking and Payton’s defensive tenacity would complement Dončić and Irving, while the second-round pick offers future flexibility. Dallas could also explore flipping Schröder or Payton in subsequent trades to address other roster holes, such as frontcourt depth.
Challenges and Considerations
While the trade idea is intriguing, it’s not without hurdles. Thompson’s emotional departure from Golden State in 2024 was well-documented, with reports indicating he felt undervalued during free agency negotiations. A return to the Warriors would require both sides to mend past tensions. Additionally, Thompson’s recent performance dip raises questions about whether he can return to his All-Star form at age 35, especially after battling significant injuries earlier in his career.
The Warriors would also need to consider the long-term implications. Trading Schröder, who has been a valuable addition, and Payton, a key defensive piece, could weaken their depth. Golden State would need to rely on players like Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski to fill the void in the backcourt.
A Nostalgic Reunion with Championship Potential
The idea of Klay Thompson returning to the Warriors is a dream scenario for fans who watched him, Curry, and Green build a dynasty. While the trade is speculative, it aligns with Golden State’s goal of maximizing Curry’s prime and chasing another championship. For Thompson, a return to the Bay Area could offer a chance to finish his career where it all began, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
As the February 6, 2025, trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Warriors and Mavericks can pull off this shocking deal. Could the Splash Brothers reunite to make one final championship run? Only time will tell.