NBA Rumors: Klay Thompson to Be Mavericks' Starting Small Forward After FA Contract

Klay Thompson will reportedly be the Dallas Mavericks' starting small forward during the 2024-25 season.

Shams Charania of The Athletic confirmed that Thompson will be a "guaranteed starter" and receive "guaranteed minutes" with the Mavericks during a Monday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

Following a tumultuous final season with the Golden State Warriors, the veteran joined the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade agreement on July 1. As part of the deal, Thompson received a new three-year contract worth $50 million.

The opportunity to join a Western Conference contender in an established starting role likely intrigued Thompson, as he came off the bench in the middle of his 2023-24 campaign for the first time since his rookie season.

Of his 77 appearances last season, 14 occurred as a reserve. Thompson averaged 29.7 minutes per game, the third-lowest mark of his career. The 34-year-old also recorded 17.9 points each night, the worst average since his 2012-13 season.

However, his value on a Mavericks team that is coming off an appearance in the NBA Finals is clear. With the star tandem of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving running the offense, Thompson should thrive as a floor-spacing option who doesn't need the ball in his hands to contribute.

Despite his relatively disappointing 2023-24 season, he still ended the year with the second-most catch-and-shoot threes of any player in the NBA (via NBA.com).

The 34-year-old discussed his excitement about joining Dallas when speaking to reporters on July 9.

"Coming here is just such a fresh start," Thompson said, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "Feeling just wanted again, like I bring great value, it just gets me excited to go out there and even work out after this press conference and get shots up."

As the Mavericks attempt to defend their status as Western Conference champions, Thompson is already expected to join their starting lineup once the regular season begins.