Why Klay Thompson Picked Dallas Mavericks Over Los Angeles Lakers

With an initial list of multiple suitors, the Dallas Mavericks landed Klay Thompson over the Lakers in free agency.

Jan 27, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday, the Dallas Mavericks beat out the Los Angeles Lakers in a bidding war to land Klay Thompson out of free agency.

The Mavericks landing Thompson -- pairing him with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving -- broke social media and the NBA world, as they beat out an attractive offer from the Lakers. The former Golden State Warriors guard is headed to Dallas on a three-year, $50 million contract.

With the Warriors' dynasty officially coming to a close, splitting up the trio of Thompson, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green, the team will recoup some assets as they will put together a sign-and-trade deal to land the four-time champion in Dallas.

READ MORE: Warriors' Klay Thompson Chooses Dallas Mavericks Over Los Angeles Lakers

There were a few reasons Thompson opted to take a pay cut to join the Mavericks over the Lakers, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday.

.@wojespn with the latest on Klay Thompson to the Mavericks via sign-and-trade:

- The Warriors will acquire a trade exception, plus a second-round pick from the Hornets.

- Thompson will be making $50 million over three years in Dallas.

- One of the big reasons Thompson chose… pic.twitter.com/QQeW786rRw

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 1, 2024

As mentioned, Thompson was offered a larger contract, worth more money for a longer period for the Lakers. Los Angeles was able to offer a four-year, $80 million contract to secure more money for longer because LeBron James was set to take a pay cut himself to allow the Lakers to upgrade their roster.

Other than being recruited by James, the Lakers were an enticing team for Thompson -- his father played in Los Angeles, where he also happens to reside in the offseason.

"This Dallas team with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, coming off the NBA Finals, a chance to win his fifth NBA Championship -- and then financially," Wojnarowski said in his report. "There was a chance at four-year deals, maybe some more money -- the state taxes, the ability to financially benefit from living there, that played a part."

While finances were a motivating factor with the difference in state taxes, playing with Doncic and Irving allows Thompson to be a part of a high-powered offense again.

"But playing with Doncic, playing with Kyrie Irving, Dallas was really aggressive in trying to bring him in," Wojnarowski continued.

The Warriors dynasty is likely over and the Lakers struck out in the Thompson sweepstakes, with the Mavericks coming out on top, forming a new big three on a championship-level roster.

READ MORE: Key Dallas Mavericks Free Agent Agrees to Sign With LA Clippers

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