Kyrie Irving reveals how he ‘convinced’ Klay Thompson to sign with the Mavericks

Kyrie Irving recently shed some light on how he helped recruit Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks.

Thompson and the Golden State Warriors decided to part ways this offseason. The Mavericks were more than willing to acquire the five-time All-Star through a deal in July.

At Mavericks media day on Monday, Irving was asked about the Mavericks’ shiny new toy in Thompson. Irving shared how his own experience made him the perfect recruiting candidate for the struggling Thompson.

“It was easy to ‘convince’ Klay to come here,” Irving said. “Because of what I have experienced so far in the last year and a half, I have just been welcomed and embraced. And I don’t mean this cliché. I mean it sincerely… This team does a great job protecting you not only on the field, but off it as well. They do everything to make you feel special.”

His star has dimmed in recent years following two serious leg injuries he suffered in 2019 and 2020. Thompson’s decline on the court was very noticeable last season. He shot 43.2% from the field and 38.7% from deep, which were respectable numbers but not what Warriors fans were accustomed to from the team’s longtime sharpshooter.

It came to the point that the Warriors moved Thompson to the bench, as he did not handle the game well on the bench.

In the second half of his career, Irving had some off-court problems. However, he managed to find a home in Dallas.

Irving was extremely effective as Luka Doncic’s teammate last season, averaging 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting almost 50%. His productivity also came from a relatively drama-free season.

Perhaps Thompson, like Irving, will be able to start the new season with the Mavericks.