The Golden State Warriors once dominated the entire NBA, but those days have long since passed. In modern times, they have become shells of their former selves, as age, injuries, and other factors have contributed to a sharp decline.
In Dallas, four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson hasn’t fared much better since leaving Golden State in 2024. With his production at an all-time low, and the Dallas Mavericks in full rebuild mode, there are lingering questions about his future and what comes next after his three-year, $50 million contract expires next summer.
Warriors fan: “We miss you on the Warriors.”
Klay Thompson: “Thank you, I know. Never say never!”
“We miss you on the Warriors.”
Klay Thompson: “Never say never.”
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 19, 2026
It’s unclear if the Mavericks are open to a buyout with Klay, but there’s no reason why he’d be considered untouchable. After going 26-56 last season, the Mavs are very much a rebuilding team, and it’s a questionable fit to have an aging Klay Thompson on the books for $17.4 million. But even if Dallas keeps him, Klay will have a chance to leave next summer, when his contract finally expires.
At 36 years old, Klay no longer has the impact he once did on the court. During his heyday with the Warriors, he was widely considered one of the best two-way guards in the league, averaging 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 45.3% shooting and 41.3% shooting from three over 11 years with the team. In the regular season, the notorious duo went 473-193, an impressive mark that shows their place in history.
While Thompson would have preferred to be a Warrior for life, he felt like the odd man out once his production began to take a dip. Now, two years later, Klay is leaving the door open for a potential return. Unless he gets bought out, it’s unlikely to happen this summer, but that could change if LeBron James joins Golden State. With him there, the Warriors could feel emboldened to run it back with Thompson and reunite the greatest backcourt duo in NBA history.
The question is, what kind of production can he provide at this stage of his career? In 2025-26, he was down to 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 39.3% shooting and 38.3% shooting from three. That’s just not good enough to justify giving him a large-sized contract, but history alone could compel the Warriors to at least offer him a fair, team-friendly deal. What’s important for Klay is that he’s willing to accept a lesser role and put his ego aside for the betterment of the team. His initial stubbornness pushed him out of Golden State, but he has no choice but to accept reality now after several years as a role player.
Ultimately, Steph and Klay might not be able to dominate the West like old times, but it would be must-see TV for fans, who would relish seeing the iconic Splash Bros together again. To this day, many believe that Klay should have never left the Warriors, and it’s clear the fans there still miss his presence on the team. Going back would make everything right again, and it’s a scenario that’s not entirely off the table.
