Klay Thompson needed a “fresh start” after 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, and the Dallas Mavericks provided him with just that.

Klay Thompson is departing the Golden State Warriors after a hugely successful 13-year career that included four championships, five All-Star appearances, and numerous three-point shooting records. He has now joined forces with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the Dallas Mavericks, which he sees as a crucial fresh start.

“Coming here is just such a fresh start,” Thompson remarked. “Feeling wanted again, like I add great value, it just makes me want to get out there and work out after this press conference to get shots up. Yes, there were periods last year when things were difficult and less joyous than they had been in the past.

“It’s good to be able to let go of it and start again with a whole new group of guys to get to know, coworkers, and a whole new city. It’s extremely great, and I’m going to take full use of this chance,” Thompson added.

Thompson, 34, joined the Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract after the Warriors helped facilitate a six-team sign-and-trade. He welcomes the opportunity to join an organization he admires. “Dallas was so appealing because of its young players. They have a style of play. This organization provides world-class treatment to its athletes, and it is a lovely city that loves basketball.”

With the Mavericks struggling to shoot from beyond the arc in the NBA Finals and in previous playoff losses, Thompson naturally recognized opportunities to help the squad while watching their postseason performance. He is coming off a season in which he averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 77 games while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc (9.0 attempts per game).

“When I was watching the playoffs and I’m watching the Mavs make a run for the championship, I just saw myself fitting in really well with this team,” Thompson told me. “And the personnel appear to enjoy playing with and for one another. That was really appealing to me, and that was all I needed to see.”

Thompson believes that playing alongside Doncic and Irving will provide him with plenty of clean looks from the perimeter as well as opportunities to attack within the flow, given how much defensive attention those two superstars command from their opponents.

“I don’t think you can stick to me as much as you could in the past with guys like Luka and Kai out there,” Thompson told the crowd. “That was also very appealing to me. I’m just excited. I still believe I can do what I’ve done, and it’s just a matter of being in the best shape possible, but I know I can contribute to this club, whether via knowledge or big scoring nights.

In his new setting, Thompson appears confident in his ability to contribute to a team that finished second in the NBA last season. He is confident in his capacity to have a long-term influence as a member of this new core.

“I look forward to just kind of being rejuvenated here — a lot of good basketball left in the tank,” according to Thompson.

The Mavericks were aggressive overall in continuing to develop the roster around Doncic, who led the team to its closest championship in history. Dallas added Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes while losing Derrick Jones Jr. and Josh Green.