Did Klay Thompson reject more money from Lakers to join Mavericks?

Did Klay Thompson reject more money from Lakers to join Mavericks?

On Monday, after 13 historic seasons with the Golden State Warriors, free agent sharpshooter Klay Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks. The number was slightly below what was expected before the offseason, but one that the Warriors rightfully didn’t match.

It’s the first time in Thompson’s career that he will be with another team outside of Golden State, who he won four titles with as a key contributor alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

By the end, there was a great feeling that both parties would decide to part ways. Though did Thompson choose Dallas over the Los Angeles Lakers–the other team in the running–in spite of making more money in Hollywood?

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who covers the Mavericks, that was the case.

“The Lakers were offering more money per year and for a longer term,” MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective podcast on Monday.

MacMahon did not disclose a final number or AAV, but conventional wisdom suggests that it likely came down to state income tax. Texas doesn’t have state income tax; California has the worst income tax rate in America.

Report: Klay Thompson, Warriors not close on extension

He’s dealt with that in one of the country’s most expensive cities for over a dozen years. If the difference is between a couple million per season, it’s smart to pick the Western Conference champion Mavericks.

Those last four words above were also an indicator: The Mavericks are in better position to compete right now! Their roster is better and we currently don’t know how JJ Redick will be as head coach. Thompson wants to win, and the Mavericks are the better team. It’s not a hot take, nor rocket science.

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