6 Rival opponents we'd love to see the Mavericks start the 2024-25 season against

2. Golden State Warriors

One of the most anticipated debuts with a new team entering the 2024-25 season is Klay Thompson with the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson spent the first 13 years of his career with the Golden State Warriors and is fueled for a new start with the Mavs to silence doubters.

If Thompson is ready to silence doubters, then having the Mavs begin the season against the Warriors would be a dream-worthy game. Regardless of whether if it's in Dallas or San Francisco.

When Thompson signed with Dallas, excitement in the city for the Mavs increased. The fact the Mavs were able to complete a sign-and-trade for one one the biggest 3-point shooters in NBA history was a big deal, and it was clear during the NBA Finals that they needed another shooter badly.

Thompson's last game as a Warrior was an ugly one when he went scoreless on 0-of-10 shooting from the field in the Warriors' Play-In Tournament game against the Kings. His performance left his future with the Warriors in doubt.

If the Mavs open the season against the Warriors, it's a perfect chance for Thompson to prove to the Warriors just how valuable he is, and that they never should've given up on him for all he's done for the franchise.

The Warriors would be a tremendous opponent for the Mavs to start the season with all the talk involving Thompson now being a member of the Mavs. Thompson is eager to show the world he's still got elite play, and the Mavs and Warriors have the potential to start an intense rivalry next season.