Klay Thompson and his new team, the Dallas Mavericks, will face the Golden State Warriors on November 12. This is the first time the four-time NBA champion has returned to the Bay Area since switching teams.
The 34-year-old star signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Texas team. Before that, he spent his entire 13-year career with Golden State, forming the famous “Splash Brothers” duo with Steph Curry.
Klay left in a sign-and-trade deal after failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension. The 2011 NBA Draft 11th pick was no longer a priority in Steve Kerr’s starting lineup, so he decided to leave.
Thompson is currently the sixth player in NBA history with the most successful long-range shots. In his “down” season, he still made 39% of his 3-pointers.
Last season, the Dallas Mavericks reached the NBA Finals and lost in 5 games to the Boston Celtics. This addition is expected to give Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving more space to play and express themselves.
After facing the Mavericks, the Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets. Last year’s NBA Cup, coach Steve Kerr’s team stopped in the group stage with a record of 2 wins – 2 losses.
Another notable return on NBA Cup opening day was Paul George, as his New York Knicks faced the Philadelphia 76ers.
Three days later, LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama, the brightest stars of the two Olympic finalists, the US and France, will face each other in the LA Lakers – San Antonio Spurs match.
