Stephen Curry's influence may be the key to bringing the four-time champion back to Golden State.
The idea of Klay Thompson returning to the Golden State Warriors once seemed far-fetched, but according to ESPN's Anthony Slater, people close to the veteran guard believe it could happen.
What Insiders Are Saying
In a recent report detailing the fallout from Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks in 2024, Slater revealed an interesting tidbit about the Splash Brothers' future together.
"Those around Thompson say they believe it could eventually happen because 'there's no one that carries more weight with Klay than Steph,' one league source said. But Curry would have to push for it."
Curry has not shut the door on the idea, saying it would be "unbelievable" if the opportunity ever came around and that he would be the first one calling Thompson to say the Warriors want him back.
The Warriors' Struggles This Season
The timing of these rumors comes as Golden State has struggled in the 2025-26 season.
The Warriors sit at 13-14, placing them ninth in the Western Conference, and they have blown six fourth-quarter leads this year, which leads the league.
Despite Curry putting up monster performances—including a 48-point game against Portland—the team has been unable to convert those outings into wins.
Curry is averaging 27.9 points per game this season. Head coach Steve Kerr has cited a lack of continuity as a major issue, with Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler all missing time.
What a Trade Would Take
For the Warriors to bring Thompson back before the February 5 trade deadline, they would need to make the money work with Dallas.
Thompson is earning $16.6 million this season as part of a three-year, $50 million deal.
The Mavericks are reportedly open to exploring deals for Thompson, along with Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford.
One possible scenario involves the Warriors sending Buddy Hield or Moses Moody to Dallas, though nothing concrete has emerged.
Dallas in Disarray
The Mavericks sit at 10-17 and 14th in the Western Conference.
Thompson is averaging just 11.1 points per game this season while shooting 37.0 percent from the field, both career lows for the five-time All-Star.
He was demoted to a bench role by head coach Jason Kidd earlier in the season.
Looking Ahead
Thompson and the Mavericks face the Warriors on Christmas Day at Chase Center, which should make for an emotional reunion regardless of what happens in the trade market.
For now, the idea of a Splash Brothers reunion remains more dream than reality, but as Curry himself pointed out: "So did him leaving."