Thompson’s deal was largely inspired by the chance to compete for a fifth title with the Western Conference champion Mavericks.
Dallas is sending its own 2031 second-round pick in the deal as well as the least favorable of the 76ers or Nuggets’ second-round pick in 2025, a source said.
Lawrence and Thompson met with Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and VP Michael Finley at the Bottle Inn in Hermosa Beach, California, to dig into the details of a Thompson-Mavericks partnership.
The Lakers were extremely intriguing to Thompson, but the financial savings from living in Texas over California and the fact that the Mavericks came within three victories of an NBA championship were big factors in his decision, sources said.
His unhappiness grew as his role with the team fluctuated throughout the season — punctuated by him being pulled from the closing lineup in early February and moving to a bench role later that month.
Thompson, 34, averaged 17.9 points last season, his lowest since 2012-13.
“We thank Klay for his contributions and wish him the best as another chapter in his journey is written.”
ESPN’s Kendra Andrews contributed to this report.
