Klay Thompson’s debut season with the Dallas Mavericks was a far cry from his championship glory days with the Golden State Warriors. The sharpshooting legend struggled, posting a career-low field goal percentage, averaging his fewest points since his rookie year, and missing the playoffs entirely. The Mavericks’ season unraveled after a blockbuster trade sent Luka Doncic packing and a devastating ACL injury sidelined Kyrie Irving. For Thompson, the move to Dallas, once seen as a fresh start, now feels like a misstep—one that has sparked fervent calls for a reunion with his longtime teammates Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State.
The idea of Thompson returning to the Bay Area isn’t just fan-driven nostalgia. A recent mock trade proposed by Ryan Shea of Sports Illustrated has ignited discussions about bringing the five-time All-Star back to the Warriors. The proposed deal would see Golden State send sharpshooter Buddy Hield and young center Trayce Jackson-Davis to Dallas in exchange for Thompson. Shea argues the trade could “unlock [the Warriors’] championship magic just one more time” by reuniting a core piece of their four-title dynasty.
The Warriors were prepared for Thompson’s departure last offseason, swiftly signing De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield to bolster their backcourt. Hield, in particular, was viewed as Thompson’s replacement—a veteran marksman acquired at roughly half the cost of Thompson’s Dallas contract. While Hield’s first season in Golden State had its ups and downs, he delivered when it mattered most, erupting for a heroic 33 points in Game 7 against the Houston Rockets in the playoffs. His performance underscored his value as a clutch shooter and a cost-effective roster piece.
On the surface, bringing Thompson back to Golden State feels like a poetic homecoming. The Warriors’ handling of Thompson’s contract negotiations last offseason left some fans and analysts feeling the franchise didn’t show enough respect to one of their all-time greats. A reunion could mend that wound, rekindling the magic of the Splash Brothers and their championship pedigree. But sentiment aside, does the trade hold up under scrutiny?
From an on-court perspective, the deal raises red flags. In an NBA era where teams, including the Warriors, grapple with the constraints of the luxury tax apron, Hield’s contract—roughly 50% of Thompson’s—offers far greater financial flexibility. Trading Hield, a proven sharpshooter who just delivered in the playoffs, for Thompson’s higher salary and recent struggles seems like a step backward. Adding Jackson-Davis to the package only complicates matters. While the third-year center had an underwhelming sophomore season, he remains one of only two true centers on the Warriors’ roster (three if you count Al Horford). His athleticism could prove valuable, even if he’s not a starter.
The Warriors’ front office would likely balk at this deal. Losing Hield’s cost-controlled production and Jackson-Davis’s potential for a player whose performance dipped significantly last season feels like a gamble not worth taking—unless the goal is purely to bring Thompson home for emotional reasons.
The Warriors are still chasing another championship, and their roster moves reflect that ambition. While Thompson’s return would tug at the heartstrings of fans, it’s hard to justify the cost—both in assets and cap space—at this juncture. Golden State’s focus remains on building a contender around Curry, Green, and their new additions, with Hield proving his worth and young players like Jackson-Davis offering upside.
That said, the door isn’t closed on a Thompson reunion. Down the line, as contracts align and the Warriors’ roster evolves, a return could make sense—perhaps as a veteran leader or a sentimental farewell. For now, though, the Warriors seem content to let Hield carry the sharpshooting torch while they hunt for the pieces to reclaim their place atop the NBA.