Klay Thompson: “I just want to play for a team that can compete for a championship”

Klay Thompson says his priority for the remainder of his NBA career is simple: play meaningful basketball on a championship contender.

Mavericks G/F Klay Thompson says that he wants to compete for a championship, not necessarily win one, but have the chance to compete and try and win a title and play a role on a team that can make a deep playoff run #MFFL

(🎥: @PlaqueBoyMax Twitch) pic.twitter.com/gEpG18RDhi

— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) August 14, 2026

Speaking during a Twitch stream with Plaqueboymax, the four-time NBA champion said he is not focused on adding another ring as much as having the opportunity to compete for one.

“I want to compete for a championship, not necessarily win one, but just have the chance to go and try and get another one. I want to play a role on a team that can make a deep playoff run, whether it’s this season or next season. That’s really my only goal.”

His comments come as uncertainty continues to surround his future with the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson has been linked to the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, although any move would likely require a contract buyout—something Dallas is reportedly not considering.

Thompson is entering the final year of his three-year, $50 million contract and averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists, while shooting 38.3% from three-point range in 69 games last season.

The veteran joined Dallas hoping to contend alongside Luka Doncic, but the blockbuster trade that sent the Slovenian superstar to the Lakers dramatically changed the franchise’s direction, with the Mavericks now building around Cooper Flagg.