Jason Kidd On Mavericks’ Klay Thompson Addition: ‘He Gives Us Something We Haven’t Had’

DALLAS — The marque offseason addition for the Dallas Mavericks was Klay Thompson, who departed the Golden State Warriors after an illustrious 13-year career that ended with four championships. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in the backcourt and Dereck Lively II anchoring the middle, there’s a lot of excitement about what this team can achieve.

Thompson, who averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 77 regular season games last season, committed to join the Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract. His move was made possible by a historic six-team sign-and-trade. Before Thompson made his final decision, Dallas competed with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in recruiting efforts to land him. It was an opportunity Thompson felt was intriguing while watching the NBA Finals, seeing ways he could make an impact for a team that was already close.

“When I was watching the playoffs and watching the Mavs make a run for the championship, I saw myself fitting in really well with this team,” Thompson said in July. “They look like they have fun playing with each other, and they play for each other and that was really attractive for me. … That’s why I’m here.”

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd detailed some of Kyrie Irving’s influence on Thompson’s decision-making process. Irving, who trusted Dallas as a landing spot after ending his rocky relationship with the Brooklyn Nets after a trade request in February of 2022, detailed his positive experience with the Mavs organization for Thompson. The message resonated with someone who was a teammate on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal in Rio De Janeiro and also a fierce competitor in multiple NBA Finals showdowns.

“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,” Kidd said on the latest episode of NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Dubs Talk ” on Tuesday. “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.”

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks Updates

Kidd acknowledged Thompson did his “homework,” and others were involved in the process, including members of Mavericks leadership, like general manager Nico Harrison and vice president of basketball operations Michael Finely.

Thompson shared a sentiment similar to Irving’s when he came to Dallas, emphasizing how this new chapter in their story is a necessary fresh start for their careers. It became challenging for Thompson in Golden State at the end of his tenure, but now, he is entering a new experience at the right time.

“Coming here is just a fresh start and [me] feeling wanted again, I bring great value and it just gets me excited to go work out after this press conference,” Thompson said. “There were times last year that were tough, where it wasn’t as joyful as it had been in the past. It’s nice to shed that and have a whole new fresh start.”

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks Updates

Irving’s recruiting ability was highlighted as one of the many benefits the Mavericks envisioned when they traded for and re-signed him. It paid off in this instance. Thompson described his relationship with Irving as “good friends” when speaking to reporters. Instead of being tasked with guarding Irving, Thompson looks forward to playing off of him in a loaded Mavericks offense in ways that will put a lot of pressure on any defense they face.

“Kyrie and I are good friends,” Thompson said. “Obviously we’ve played against each other on the highest stages for many years. I’ve always been a fan of Kai’s game. Guarding him was hell, so it’s always nice to be on the other end of that for once and see other defenders get loose and get shook by him. That’s going to be a good sight to see.”

During the free agency process, Dončić was busy playing with the Slovenian national team at the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in Pireaus, but Thompson mentioned a sense of mutual respect they share. “He texted me saying how excited he is. I relayed the same message back,” he said. “There’s definitely a mutual respect there.”

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks Updates

There was an intriguing angle Kidd provided insight into regarding what Thompson will bring to the team. While much has been discussed about championship experience, and rightfully so, the Hall of Fame point guard turned head coach views the Mavs’ new addition as being another fearless big-shot maker who can step up when the bright lights may bring reluctance out of other players.

“We truly believe that he gives us something that we haven’t had, a guy who’s not afraid to take the shot,” Kidd said of Thompson. “He’s been in championship situations. He understands what it means. We believe that we’re building a championship team. And his being a veteran, his experience being in big games and then being able to play both ends, we truly believe that he’s going to make a lot of open shots for us and have fun.

“But, also, we’re going to lean on him because has won a championship. We’re going to need his advice and his leadership throughout this journey.”

With two of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive players setting the tone, Thompson admitted he envisions receiving more open shots than he’s accustomed to by playing next to them. He also made sure to mention his confidence in his defensive impact and being someone who can step up for timely big-scoring nights.

“You still can’t leave me open. I can guard. I know I can help this team, whether it’s through the knowledge I’ve gained or big-scoring nights. I just know I can still be a very good player in this league,” Thompson said. “I don’t think you can stick to me as much as in the past with guys like Luka and Kyrie out there. That’s what also was very attractive for me.”

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks Updates

With Thompson on the wing ready to bring a sharpshooting presence, the Mavericks will have no shortage of firepower offensively. As long as they can make enough of a defensive impact as a team in a unit anchored by second-year center Dereck Lively II, there is significant potential for another lengthy postseason run.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

For more Mavs, NBA, and WNBA coverage, follow Grant Afseth on X , Facebook , Instagram , and Threads . Be sure to subscribe on YouTube for content throughout the 2024-25 season.

The post Jason Kidd On Mavericks’ Klay Thompson Addition: ‘He Gives Us Something We Haven’t Had’ appeared first on NBA Analysis Network .