In a surprising twist, Klay Thompson Picks Dallas Mavericks over a more lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to join forces with Luka Dončić and the team, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon revealed on The Hoop Collective Podcast. Despite the Lakers’ efforts, offering a higher annual salary and longer contract than Dallas, Thompson opted for a three-year, $50 million deal in a sign-and-trade agreement with the Golden State Warriors, reported Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Klay Thompson Picks Dallas Mavericks Over Lakers’ Cash
The Lakers, amidst their quiet start to free agency, had secured only one deal—a four-year, $32 million contract with restricted free agent Max Christie. Speculation swirls around LeBron James, whose priority remains bolstering the Lakers’ roster, potentially through a pay cut to facilitate high-caliber signings, according to his agent Rich Paul.
Thompson, James Harden, and Jonas Valančiūnas were among the veterans James reportedly considered worthy of a Lakers’ uniform, but both Harden and Valančiūnas swiftly found new homes with the Clippers and Wizards, respectively.
While details of the Lakers’ competing offer to Thompson remain undisclosed, the financial allure of Texas’ zero income tax played a pivotal role in his decision to favor Dallas over Los Angeles, despite his intrigue with joining the Lakers.
The Mavericks, capitalizing on their recent NBA Finals appearance and the financial advantages of Texas residency, sealed the deal by trading Josh Green and future draft picks in the sign-and-trade arrangement with Golden State.
Thompson’s sharpshooting prowess—averaging 17.9 points on 38.7% three-point shooting last season—would have significantly boosted the Lakers’ shooting lineup, but instead, they witnessed a competitor strengthen their ranks in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
In conclusion, Klay Thompson’s choice highlights the Lakers’ missed opportunity and the Mavericks’ strategic coup, setting the stage for an intriguing rivalry in the upcoming NBA season.
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