Lowe: Five crucial Game 1 insights for NBA Finals going forward

Klay Thompson chose the Dallas Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers due to the belief that he could be the missing piece for a team that had just reached The Finals. The Mavericks also promised him a starting spot.

“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental and my career,” Thompson said. “So, I really feel the love here, and I feel highly valued that I can do great things.”

Thompson won four championships with the Golden State Warriors, but the two sides reached a point where a separation would benefit everyone.

“I’m so grateful for everything I experienced at Golden State,” Thompson said. “But I mean, I’ve seen some of my favorite athletes pivot and have tremendous success. When I think of Shaq[uille O’Neal] leaving the Lakers and winning a ring or Tom Brady winning one with Tampa Bay, it’s been done before.

“That was my main goal at this point in my career. I just want to win, and this team is so close. I just wanted to be a part of that when July 1 hit [free agency]. It’s human nature to think about your future. As present as you’re supposed to be, we’re all human. We all think about that. Now, to know I’m locked in for a few years here, it allows me to be free.”

Thompson accepted a three-year, $50 million offer from Dallas even though the Lakers had discussed a longer-term deal for more money.

Thompson ultimately got to leave Golden State on his own terms.

“I just, like, freely thought about it at the end. I was like, ‘Do I have more to give [the Warriors] or would going somewhere else motivate me to add a new chapter to my legacy?'” Thompson said. “And that’s what I decided on. And I haven’t looked back since.”