Alright, hoop heads, buckle up because the Mavericks just made a blockbuster move that’s got everyone talking!
Klay’s Big Move to Dallas
So, after falling short against the Celtics in the Finals, the Mavs pulled off a jaw-dropping trade. Klay Thompson, after 13 seasons with the Warriors, decided it was time for a change of scenery. Heโs betting on Dallas, believing this squad has that special something. “Iโm excited; itโs a whole new chapter of my career that has the potential to be really special,” Klay told insider Grant Afseth. The guy is already loving his new digs in Dallas and is pumped for the season.
Mark Jackson Weighs In
Even Mark Jackson, the coach who drafted Klay back in 2011, gets it. “I think in an ideal world, Klay Thompson finishes his career with the Golden State Warriors. But you know how this business is,” he said. “The loyalty only works one way, and thatโs not a knock on the Warriorsโthatโs just the way the sports world is.” Ain’t that the truth? Loyalty in sports is like a unicorn, rare and magical but mostly a myth.
Mark Cuban’s Master Plan
Mavs owner Mark Cuban is stoked about Klay joining the team and plans to use him differently than the Warriors did. “Obviously, the big addition for us was Klay,” Cuban explained. “Heโs someone you have to guard closely because heโs going to knock down 40% of his shots. At Golden State, he was always running around and coming off screens. Thatโs not really our style.” I think Cuban might be onto something here. Klay as more than just a catch-and-shoot guy? Yes, please.
Kyrie’s Role in the Deal
Hereโs the kicker: Kyrie Irving played a huge part in getting Klay to Dallas. According to coach Jason Kidd, Kyrieโs player-to-player chat with Klay sealed the deal. โKai was able to connect with Klay, player to player, and share his experience of what itโs been like in Dallas over the past two years. He gave Klay an honest assessment of what he thinks could happen with him on board.โ
Check out this clip for more insights:
Kidd didnโt take all the credit, though. “Iโd love to say it was all me, but it wasnโt. It was a team effort. But in this league, player-to-player recruitment is huge. This was all about Kai and Klay being able to have that conversation,” he admitted.
So, Mavs fans, are you ready to see Klay light it up in Dallas? Will this be the move that finally brings another championship to the Lone Star State? Letโs hear your thoughts!
