In a recent interview on NBC Sports’ “Dubs Talk,” Kidd highlighted Irving’s pivotal role in recruiting Thompson: “When you talk about the recruitment, it was a lot of people that were involved in that. But one of the biggest players in that was Kai. Kai being able to, player to player, (detail) his experience of what Dallas has been like for him in two years and being able to tell Klay the honest truth of what he thinks can happen with Klay coming to Dallas.”  

Irving’s personal experience with the Mavericks resonated with Thompson. Both players had faced similar challenges, feeling undervalued and marginalized by their previous teams. Irving’s successful tenure in Dallas, where he averaged 25.6 points per game and led the team to the NBA Finals, provided Thompson with a compelling example of how the organization values and supports its players.

Thompson’s decision to join the Mavericks marks a significant change in his career. He spent his entire NBA tenure with the Warriors, winning four championships and establishing himself as one of the league’s most prolific three-point shooters. While leaving Golden State was a difficult choice, Thompson hopes that a fresh start in Dallas will reignite his passion for the game.

With Irving and Luka Dončić forming a formidable duo, the Mavericks are poised to be a competitive force in the Western Conference. Thompson’s addition provides them with another elite scorer and a proven championship pedigree.