The Golden State Warriors have spent much of the offseason stuck in neutral, missing out on key free agents while waiting on a resolution with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
But a new trade prediction suggests they could shake things up in the most familiar way possible: by bringing Klay Thompson back to the Bay.
A Quiet Offseason in Golden State
So far, Golden State’s front office has failed to add meaningful pieces around their new core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Outside of the 2025 draft, the Warriors have been left waiting while free agents signed elsewhere.
Reports indicate that the team does have agreements in place with several role players, but those deals won’t be finalized until Kuminga’s situation is settled. In the meantime, speculation has turned toward potential trades and one mock scenario has fans buzzing.
The Klay Thompson Reunion Scenario
According to Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Shea, the Warriors could look to reunite with the four-time champion by making a deal with the Dallas Mavericks.
The proposal: Golden State sends Buddy Hield and Trayce Jackson-Davis to Dallas in exchange for Thompson.
It would mark a full-circle moment. Thompson spent the first 13 seasons of his career in Golden State, winning four titles and helping build the “Splash Brothers” dynasty before leaving last offseason in a sign-and-trade.
What Klay Still Brings
At 35, Thompson isn’t the same player he was in his prime. Years of severe injuries and reduced minutes have reshaped his game. Last season with Dallas, he averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, shooting 41.2% from the field and 39.1% from three.
While no longer a star, he remains one of the league’s most reliable floor-spacers. Reuniting him with Curry would instantly restore the Splash Brothers dynamic, giving defenses another shooter to worry next to Curry in the backcourt.
The Risk for Golden State
Of course, the move wouldn’t come without cost. Trading away both Hield, a proven shooter in his own right, and Jackson-Davis, a promising young big man, would thin the Warriors’ depth even further. With multiple roster spots still unfilled, Golden State would need to weigh whether nostalgia and chemistry outweigh the risk of giving up younger, healthier assets.
Still, there’s an argument that Klay’s return could do more than just boost shooting. His familiarity with Curry and Green, his championship pedigree, and his connection to the fan base could stabilize a team searching for identity after an uneven summer.
The Bigger Picture
Nothing is imminent, but the fact that Thompson’s name is already being floated back toward Golden State shows how unsettled the offseason remains. For the Warriors, a reunion could be both a gamble and a spark, potentially pushing the Warriors back into contender status.
