The Lakers offered more money, years, so why did Klay Thompson choose the Mavericks?

2024 SoFi Play-In Tournament – Golden State Warriors v Sacramento Kings

LeBron James called, pitched him personally, and was willing to take a $16 million (or maybe larger) discount to bring him home to Southern California. Then Lakers GM Rob Pelinka called with the ultimate sign of NBA respect: Money. Los Angeles would offer four years, $80 million to the 34-year-old former champion (providing they could work out a sign-and-trade). Thompson’s final pitch to stay with the Warriors reportedly had been two years, $40 million, the Lakers would double that.

Thompson chose to go to the Dallas Mavericks for three years, $50 million.

Why?

There are a few reasons, according to league sources who spoke to NBC Sports, as well as reporting from people close to Thompson and the Mavericks.

Any discussion of Thompson’s choice has to start with this foundation: Money was not at the top of his priority list. It wasn’t second. Thompson has the privilege of having earned $268.7 million in salary alone during his 13-year NBA career, plus much more from shoe deals and other endorsements. This is not a young player looking for a first shot at generational money, this is a veteran with the security not to have to put money first.

Part of what the Mavericks offered was a chance to contend again — Dallas was playing in the Finals this past June. They looked like a team tentative in its first steps on this biggest of stages and in need of more shooting, both things Thompson believed he could help with. The Lakers only won three fewer regular-season games than Dallas, but they were a play-in team whose best player turns 40 next season and who hired a rookie coach. From Sam Amick at The Athletic.

Thompson had watched the Mavericks’ NBA Finals run and told those close to him how he envisioned fitting in, creating space for Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving on the offensive end while bringing his championship credentials to their rising program.

However, the more significant thing Dallas offered was a chance for Thompson to change the narrative around himself. To feel genuinely appreciated again.

Thompson spoke with Kyrie Irving and if anyone…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-offered-more-money-years-171648323.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-07-04 17:16:48

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