Stephen Curry stirs the pot on Klay Thompson reunion
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, once the backbone of the Golden State Warriors’ success, spent 13 memorable seasons as one of the most formidable backcourts in NBA history. However, the collaboration came to an unexpected halt when Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024 offseason. In a candid moment shared in an ESPN article co-written by Anthony Slater and Tim MacMahon, Curry expressed his lingering feelings about Thompson’s departure, stating, “I wish he was still here.”
Curry’s heartfelt remarks on a potential reunion
When asked about the possibility of reuniting with Thompson, Curry’s enthusiasm was palpable. “It would be unbelievable,” he remarked. If the opportunity arises, Curry is ready to make the call. “If that time comes and that conversation is had, of course I’m calling him and saying, ‘We want you back.’” However, he acknowledged the challenges of making that a reality, noting, “But as we stand right now, that does seem like a far distant reality. But so did him leaving.”
Thompson, for his part, addressed speculation about finishing his career with the Warriors. “I don’t know,” he said. “That’s a long ways away, man. That’s a lot of basketball to be had. I don’t know what the future holds.” A source close to the situation indicated that a reunion could ultimately be feasible, observing, “There’s no one that carries more weight with Klay than Steph.” Despite the buzz, both players seem to be tempering expectations about a return this season.
Exploring the trade landscape for Thompson
As the Warriors look ahead, their focus may lean towards acquiring a more dynamic scorer than the 35-year-old Thompson. However, if the market for such players dwindles, they might consider a trade that would bring Thompson and Daniel Gafford from the Mavericks to the Bay Area. A potential trade scenario involving Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield for Thompson and Gafford aligns perfectly with the financial aspects of a deal.
The Mavericks, potentially eyeing a long-term rebuild with promising talent like Cooper Flagg, could find value in acquiring Kuminga. Gafford, showing promise with averages of 8.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in just 22.3 minutes, could step in as a starting center for the Warriors. Meanwhile, Thompson’s current numbers reflect a decline, with a career-low average of 11.1 points per game and a shooting percentage of just 37%. Nonetheless, his three-point shooting remains respectable at 36.1%, suggesting he could still contribute meaningfully.
Warriors’ front office stance on Thompson
An insider revealed that the Warriors’ front office was satisfied with the outcome of Thompson’s sign-and-trade to Dallas, indicating they had anticipated a decline in his performance. In his last season in Golden State, his scoring average dipped to 17.9, and advanced metrics showed the team was 4.8 points better defensively when he was off the court, as per Cleaning the Glass.
Despite his struggles, bringing Thompson back isn’t completely out of the question. As he adapts to guarding larger players, he may provide a defensive edge against bigger wings and even some power forwards, areas where the Warriors are currently seeking depth. His prowess as a shooter could also see a resurgence in a Warriors system that prioritizes shot quality over what he experienced in Dallas.
While an immediate reunion feels unlikely, the possibility remains open. As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, Curry’s heartfelt sentiments and Thompson’s uncertain future leave the door ajar for a potential return to the Bay.
