Did Klay Thompson want to be free of expectations?

Klay Thompson’s decision to leave the Golden State Warriors at the start of free agency was a major talking point around the NBA. The four-time NBA champion had been expected to re-sign with the franchise and end his career as a one-team man. Nevertheless, he opted to sign with the Dallas Mavericks to form a new big three with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

According to Patrick Beverley, who was speaking during a guest appearance on a recent episode of “The OG’s Show,” Thompson’s decision was likely based on the desire to play with freedom.

“I didn’t see that coming,” Beverley said. “But again, he took less money. He just want freedom. ‘I want to be able to hoop.’ For him to have the ability as a bailout guy, as a third option.”

Beverley’s comments were likely focused on the fact that Thompson had a certain level of expectations from the Warriors fanbase. And while he’s no longer the All-Star-caliber player he once was, who could knock down shots and play lock-down defense across multiple positions, he likely felt pressure to try and be that guy.

By moving to the Mavericks, Thompson is getting a fresh start. He can re-invent himself without the pressure of trying to replicate what he did in his younger years. That is likely the type of freedom Beverley was alluding to during his podcast appearance.

Whether Thompson can thrive on his new team in a new role will remain to be seen. But if his decision was based on feeling free and enjoying basketball, his decision was likely the right one.