Klay Thompson: Kyrie Irving 'Inspired Me' to Sign Mavs Contract, End Warriors Run

Before departing the Golden State Warriors to sign with the Dallas Mavericks, star shooting guard Klay Thompson drew inspiration from a longtime rival.

Thompson told The Athletic's Tim Cato that a text conversation with Mavs guard Kyrie Irving influenced his decision to head to Dallas.

"(Kyrie) actually was one of the first people to text me just how grateful he (is) to be here and how the city's embraced him, the organization embraced him," Thompson said. "For him to come here and embrace the city and embrace the role, he has just inspired me."

Thompson and Irving faced off in the NBA Finals twice during Irving's tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They also played on Team USA and won a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Irving's time in Dallas has done wonders to reshape his image following a few tumultuous seasons. While Thompson didn't deal with similar circumstances, he's hoping the change of scenery helps him bounce back from a trying year in his final season with Golden State.

After having his role reduced, the four-time champion admitted, "There were times last year where it wasn't as joyful as it had been in the past."

Now, Thompson will have a new opportunity to make an impact on a Mavs team that is coming off a surprising run to the 2024 NBA Finals, where it lost to the Boston Celtics in five games. Dallas is hoping that the 34-year-old will be able to help bring the city its first NBA title since 2011.