Klay Thompson will reportedly be the Dallas Mavericks’ starting small forward in 2024-25.

During a Monday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Shams Charania of The Athletic confirmed Thompson’s status as a “guaranteed starter” and “guaranteed minutes” with the Mavericks.

Following a turbulent final season with the Golden State Warriors, the veteran agreed to a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks on July 1. Thompson obtained a new three-year contract worth $50 million as part of the transaction.

Thompson was undoubtedly attracted by the potential to join a Western Conference contender in an established starting role, as he came off the bench in the middle of his 2023-24 season for the first time since his rookie year.

Of his 77 appearances last season, 14 were as a reserve. Thompson played 29.7 minutes per game, the third-lowest total in his career. The 34-year-old also averaged 17.9 points a night, his lowest since the 2012-13 season.

However, his significance to a Mavericks team coming off an NBA Finals appearance is obvious. Thompson, with the star duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving directing the offence, could thrive as a floor-spacing option who doesn’t need to touch the ball to contribute.

Despite a very unsuccessful 2023-24 season, he finished with the second-most catch-and-shoot threes of any player in the league (per NBA.com).

In an interview with reporters on July 9, the 34-year-old expressed his excitement about joining Dallas.

“Coming here is just such a fresh start,” Thompson told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Feeling just wanted again, like I bring great value, it just gets me excited to go out there and even work out after this press conference and get shots up.”

Thompson is anticipated to enter the Mavericks’ starting lineup when the regular season begins, as they attempt to defend their Western Conference title.