Did we see the last of Klay Thompson in a Dallas Mavericks uniform? It was two seasons ago when the precision three-point veteran left the Golden State Warriors to chase his fifth ring. He thought the Mavs were the best fit alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who made it to the 2024 NBA Finals. But the reality has turned out to be different: the 36-year-old might be looking for a new home, while the fans want him to return to his old home in the Bay Area.

After the final game of the regular season, Thompson was asked a difficult question about his future with a year remaining on his contract. “That’s a hard hitter, I’m not sure,” began Klay. “I mean, I am under contract, so I do, but I’ve definitely learned in my time in Dallas that things can change on a dime. So, just here to have great timing, put my best foot forward, and that’s all you can do.”

The four-time NBA champion was hinting at the changes that have transpired ever since his arrival. At the time of the trade, Thompson had stated he saw himself fitting perfectly as a shooter and veteran alongside the Luka-Kyrie playmaking duo. He mentioned watching the Mavericks’ playoff run and believing he could contribute right away to a contending team. But months later, Doncic was unexpectedly traded, and Anthony Davis was brought in.

Then Irving suffered an ACL injury and did not feature this season. And not too long ago, Davis was shipped away, and now Cooper Flagg has truly taken over the Mavericks. That’s why Thompson is not trusting his future under Dallas’ leadership. “The hardest part about being an NBA player, they think they pay you for the records broken or the rings won, but it’s really to pay you for being able to be traded.”

Earlier this year, rumors emerged about the 36-year-old’s exit. Insider John Ireland, who shares close ties to Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, stated, “Dallas has a bunch of young, quick, soon-to-be-rotational players at guard. They don’t need to play Klay and Kyrie this year. Let Klay out of the deal because you’re not gonna play him when Brandon Williams and all these young guys are good.”

According to Ireland, there was a possibility of a contract buyout, which would make Thompson an unrestricted free agent. His wish to play for a contender remains, and while the Mavericks are poised to return to the playoffs next season, that isn’t guaranteed. On the other hand, the Warriors look ready for next season, and a reunion could be on the cards, with the fanbase manifesting that.

Dub Nation hype Klay Thompson’s reported Warriors reunion

A passionate fan commented, “Come back home, Klay. Golden State is where you belong.” A previous report revealed the 36-year-old’s intention to return to the Warriors. ESPN’s Anthony Slater claimed, “Those around Thompson say they believe it could eventually happen because ‘there’s no one that carries more weight with Klay than Steph,’ one league source said.” That’s why the fans were quick to jump into the comment sections and talk about the reunion.

“steph, klay and dray need to hit it one last time,” a netizen wrote. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Recently, Brett Siegel reported that the Warriors are prepared to keep head coach Steve Kerr this offseason, even if it’s for one more year. That directly ties in with Stephen Curry’s current contract, which is valid for one more season. So it’s likely that Kerr returns, Curry stays, and Thompson rejoins. Fans even pleaded with the Mavericks to trade Klay to the Warriors.

“please send him home dallas,” a fan wrote. Another netizen reminded what a true professional the 36-year-old has been during this tumultuous time, posting, “Klay has handled every bit of this Dallas instability with more class than most vets would after seeing the Luka deal go down. At this stage in his career, he has earned the right to chase a real fit instead of pretending the front office has built any kind of long-term trust.”

The distrust toward the Mavs was evident just a few days ago, when a clip went viral of Thompson looking extremely frustrated on the bench during a stoppage in the second half. He was stomping his feet, shaking his head, and briefly put his towel over his face, to suggest he was done with the franchise. All these visuals and the saddening reality behind Dallas’ current situation led this fan to write, “Come back to the bay.”

In fact, the sharpshooter’s confidence has taken a major hit as he has gone from the Mavericks’ starting wing last season to playing a career-low 21.9 minutes per game this season. That’s why right now, Dallas can see him as expendable with his nearly $17 million salary. A return to the Bay Area and familiar surroundings could help him get back to his best or avoid these career-low numbers again.