Where’s Klay Rank on Pay-Cut List?

Dallas hit the jackpot when they signed and traded Klay Thompson. Conversely, the former Golden State Warriors' pockets took a hit. Thompson went from earning $43.2 million for the 2023-24 season to $15.8 million the next. Forgoing $27.3 million earned Thompson the top spot on HoopsHype 's biggest pay cuts list.

To the naked eye, taking such a financial hit seems foolish. However, in Thompson's case, the league lacked an abundance of suiters with the cap space necessary and the means to contend for an NBA championship. Ironically, the Los Angeles Lakers offered the four-time NBA champion a four-year, $80 contract.

Ultimately, Thompson declined the Lakers' offer for the three-year, $50 contract to play with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Despite the Lakers' valiant efforts in free agency, Thomspon took less money to play for the Mavericks. A prominent player taking less money and declining to play for the Lakers marks a new era in the NBA.

However, Thompson's free agency decision is a testament to what winning means to the former Warriors star. It also indicates where players perceive the Lakers in the playoff contention pecking order.

The Mavericks typically dance with their mother at prom when the smoke settles in free agency, but Nico Harrison changed such an abysmal reality.

Related: Luka Doncic Rival Speaks on Mavs' Klay Thompson Signing: 'He Just Wants Freedom'

Although Thompson took a hit financially, don't let the numbers fool you. Thomspon had chances to earn significantly more but understood the power of no state taxes and valued winning more than financial incentives.