The Golden State Warriors knew Klay Thompson was on the downside of his career during his final year with the franchise. That's exactly why he was moved to the bench for 14 games in the second-half of that last season, and why they couldn't guarantee a starting role moving forward as they allowed him to walk to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency.
Now the Mavericks have officially learned why the Warriors were fine with letting the 5x All-Star go, with Thompson demoted to the bench for the first time in his 80th game with the franchise after signing a three-year, $50 million contract in the 2024 offseason.