DEAL ACCEPTED: Dallas Mavericks Power Forward Klay Thompson Signs 4-Year, $109 Million Contract with Golden State Warriors as Their New Veteran Anchor — See More

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA world and stunned both fans and analysts, Klay Thompson, the five-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer, has officially signed a 4-year, $109 million deal to return to the Golden State Warriors — but in a dramatically different role than fans remember.

After a short but impactful stint with the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson, 35, is now headed back to the Bay Area. But this time, he joins the Warriors not as a Splash Brother — but as the team’s new veteran power forward and locker room leader in what’s being described as the franchise’s “second dynastic rebuild.”

Back Where It All Began — With a Twist

Thompson, long regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, spent 13 years with the Warriors before a surprising split in 2024 that led him to sign a two-year deal with the Mavericks. His departure marked the end of an era — or so it seemed.

However, sources close to the Warriors organization say that internal discussions to bring Thompson back began as early as the All-Star break of the 2024–25 season, when Golden State started restructuring its aging core and exploring hybrid veteran-young lineups.

What made the deal unique is how the Warriors envision using Klay in this new chapter. Rather than deploying him in his traditional shooting guard role, head coach Steve Kerr and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. plan to utilize him more as a stretch forward and defensive anchor, helping groom younger players while spacing the floor and locking in key matchups.

“Klay’s not just back — he’s back with purpose,” Kerr said. “He’s always been one of the most intelligent and selfless players in the league. Now he’s ready to lead this new wave and end his career where he started: with dignity, toughness, and a love for the game.”

What Happened in Dallas?

Thompson’s time with the Dallas Mavericks, though brief, proved he still had plenty left in the tank. Playing alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, Thompson averaged 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and shot 39% from beyond the arc in just under 30 minutes per game — a testament to his conditioning and adaptability.

Despite helping Dallas make a deep playoff push in 2025, Thompson reportedly felt “disconnected” from the Mavericks’ long-term plans, according to insiders. When the Warriors re-opened the door with a clear role and a leadership opportunity, it became an emotional no-brainer.

“Golden State is home,” Thompson said in a heartfelt Instagram video announcing the move. “It’s where I became a man, a champion, and a Warrior — in every sense of the word. And now, I get to finish what we started. Let’s get it.”

A New Role: Veteran Power Forward and Cultural Bridge

Klay’s new role may seem surprising to casual fans, but those within the Warriors’ system see it as a brilliant evolution.

Standing at 6’6” and weighing 215 lbs, Thompson has quietly added strength and physicality to his frame over the past few years. Combined with his defensive IQ and elite catch-and-shoot ability, the move to a “stretch four” position c