Klay Thompson's rumored outlook could create fragile environment in Dallas

It's hard to believe it but a few weeks ago the Dallas Mavericks struck gold with the signing of shooting guard Klay Thompson. Not only is Thompson one of the biggest names in basketball, but by signing with Dallas, he could have just become the team's biggest free-agent acquisition in franchise history.

Thompson inked a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks. While Thompson's time with the Golden State Warriors ended sourly, the 11-year pro still had plenty of money on the table from other suitors. Despite this, the five-time All-Star still turned down more money for the chance to win a fifth ring in a Mavericks uniform.

With more reporting emerging as the offseason enters the dog days, Thompson's role as a Maverick has become clearer and clearer with the weeks passing. Thompson was not only sold by the chance to win a fifth title as a player, but one of Dallas' main selling points when negotiating with Thompson was that he would be a full-time starter.

Klay Thompson's rumored outlook could create fragile environment in Dallas

While Thompson has suffered multiple season-ending injuries such as a torn ACL and a torn Achilles, Thompson still believes he can become the player he once was at 34 years old. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, this was one reason the Warriors didn't feel the need to bring their beloved shooter back on a long-term deal.

"Thompson, despite missing two full seasons with injuries, felt he was nearly the same player he was before and the Warriors didn’t agree," Washburn reported.

While Thompson still has a lot in the tank and has proven that with his 17.9 points and 38 percent shot-making from behind the arc over the last season, Thompson still isn't the player he once was. In Thompson's hay days with the Warriors, he was able to guard the opposing team's best players on a nightly basis. After two catastrophic injuries and waning age, Thompson can't do this on a nightly basis in Dallas, and he needs to realize this now before it's too late.

Dallas has built a winning culture since General Manager Nico Harrison took over in the summer of 2021 and Thompson could throw a wrench in all of this if he can not accept his role early. While Thompson may have a guaranteed starting role, this may not mean he is closing games with the Mavericks' lack of defense in the starting unit. Since Thompson has signed with Dallas, fans have already begun to express their concerns about the lack of defense in the starting unit.

If history repeats itself as it did with the Warriors, Thompson may become frustrated to see himself on the bench during the final minutes of a game. Thompson will not only need to prove that he has what it takes on the court to win a championship, but he will also need to show the coaching staff he can accept his role to maximize Dallas' full championship potential.

For more updates on Klay Thompson and Dallas Mavericks basketball, stay plugged in as we will have you covered.