In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly set to reunite Stephen Curry with four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson, a decision that could reshape the franchise’s fortunes for the 2025-26 season. After a heartbreaking five-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, the Warriors are banking on the return of their former dynasty cornerstone to reignite their championship aspirations, despite Thompson’s recent decline.
The End of an Era and a Painful Departure
The 2023-24 season marked the end of the Warriors’ iconic “Splash Brothers” era when the franchise traded Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks. The decision came after injuries and inconsistent performances signaled a rapid decline for the 35-year-old sharpshooter. In his first season with Dallas, Thompson averaged 14.0 points on 41.2% field goal shooting and 39.1% from three-point range—respectable numbers, but a far cry from his peak as one of the league’s deadliest shooters. The trade appeared to validate Golden State’s choice to move on from the aging star, allowing the team to avoid the luxury tax burden while giving younger players like Moses Moody and Gui Santos a chance to shine.
However, the Warriors’ playoff exit in 2025, compounded by Stephen Curry’s Grade 1 hamstring strain during the Timberwolves series, left fans and analysts questioning whether the team had prematurely dismantled its championship core. The emotional weight of Thompson’s departure lingered, as evidenced by the Warriors’ heartfelt response to the passing of his beloved bulldog, Rocco, in May 2025, and the thunderous ovation he received during his return to Chase Center as a Maverick on November 12, 2024.
A Bold Reunion to Revive the Dynasty
According to Empire Sports Media’s Davin McFarland, the Warriors-Thompson reunion could be the spark Golden State needs to reclaim its place among the NBA’s elite. “The Warriors and their fans have never stopped loving Klay Thompson,” McFarland wrote. “A reunion could mend the wounds of Thompson’s departure, which left fans and the organization grappling with the end of the ‘Splash Brothers’ era. Bringing Thompson back into the fold could galvanize the fanbase and locker room, reinforcing the Warriors’ identity as a franchise that honors its legends.”
The proposed reunion would see Thompson return in a reduced role, likely as a sixth man, embracing a less demanding position to preserve his health and maximize his impact. This shift, however, a sticking point in 2024, when head coach Steve Kerr’s breakfast meeting with Thompson in Manhattan Beach—where he floated the idea of a fluctuating role—reportedly pushed Klay toward Dallas. For this reunion to succeed, both sides would need to align on expectations, with Thompson accepting a bench role and the Warriors committing to a contract that reflects his veteran status.
To make the deal work, the Warriors would need to navigate the luxury tax by sending out matching salaries, potentially including Moody and Santos in a trade package. While losing young talent would be a gamble, the prospect of reuniting Curry and Thompson could justify a bold move. Thompson’s return would not only bolster Golden State’s perimeter shooting but also restore the chemistry that fueled four championships between 2011 and 2024.
Thompson’s Legacy and Potential Impact
Klay Thompson’s legacy with the Warriors is undeniable. Drafted out of Washington State, where he shot 39.0% from three, Thompson exceeded expectations by becoming one of the NBA’s most prolific shooters. He achieved a remarkable feat, shooting above 40% from long range nine times during his Warriors tenure, a testament to his elite marksmanship. His clutch performances and defensive versatility were instrumental in securing four NBA titles, cementing his status as a Warriors legend and a future Hall of Famer.
Despite his recent struggles, Thompson’s 2024-25 season with Dallas proved he still possesses the shooting touch that made him a superstar. A return to Golden State, where he thrived alongside Curry under Kerr’s system, could unlock a second wind for the veteran guard. As a sixth man, Thompson could provide instant offense, spacing the floor for Curry and mentoring younger players like Brandin Podzemski and Jonathan Kuminga.
A Monster Duo to Avenge 2025’s Defeat
The Curry-Thompson partnership, once dubbed the “Splash Brothers,” redefined modern basketball with their unparalleled shooting prowess. Reuniting them could create an unstoppable monster duo capable of avenging the Warriors’ 2025 postseason defeat and challenging the Western Conference’s top contenders. With Curry still performing at an MVP level, Thompson’s return would add a proven winner and emotional leader to a team hungry for redemption.
The Warriors’ decision to bring back a “washed-up” Thompson is a high-risk, high-reward gamble that could either cement their legacy as a franchise that never quits on its stars or expose the limits of nostalgia. If Thompson embraces his new role and the Warriors strike a balance between, the Bay Area could witness the rebirth of a dynasty—and a duo that refuses to fade into history.