In a bold and strategic move that has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA, the Golden State Warriors have officially re-signed veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson to a six-year, $190 million contract. The deal not only solidifies Thompson’s future with the franchise but also marks the beginning of a new era for the Warriors, who now boast a powerful trio featuring Thompson, long-time superstar Stephen Curry, and the newly acquired six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.
The announcement of Thompson’s re-signing comes after months of speculation regarding his future with the team. The 34-year-old sharpshooter had entered free agency amid rumors of potential interest from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks. Yet, in the end, Thompson chose to remain loyal to the team that drafted him in 2011 and helped him rise to stardom.
“Golden State is home,” Thompson said in a press release. “I’ve built a legacy here, and I’m not finished. With Steph and now Jimmy, we’re coming for another championship. I believe in this team, and I believe in our future.”
A Legacy Continued
Klay Thompson’s career with the Warriors is already the stuff of legend. A key component of the dynasty that won NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, Thompson has long been lauded for his lethal shooting, perimeter defense, and calm demeanor under pressure. Alongside Curry, he formed one-half of the iconic “Splash Brothers” duo, revolutionizing the NBA with their long-range firepower.
Despite suffering two major injuries — a torn ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals and a torn Achilles tendon in 2020 — Thompson made a triumphant return to the court in 2022 and has since worked his way back into elite form. Over the past two seasons, he averaged 19.8 points per game while shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc. His resurgence played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ continued playoff appearances.
The Arrival of Jimmy Butler
The re-signing of Thompson is significant in its own right, but what makes this moment even more monumental is the simultaneous addition of Jimmy Butler. Acquired via a blockbuster trade with the Miami Heat, Butler brings a rugged defensive mindset, veteran leadership, and playoff pedigree to an already star-studded Warriors lineup.
A six-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, Butler has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most competitive and tenacious players. Known for his clutch performances and ability to elevate his game in the postseason, Butler has averaged 21.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across his career. His addition to Golden State could be the missing piece the franchise needs to reclaim championship glory.
“Joining the Warriors is a dream come true,” Butler said. “I’ve respected the way they play for years. The culture, the winning mentality, the fans — everything about this place is special. I can’t wait to compete with Steph and Klay.”
The Formation of a New Big Three
With Thompson and Curry already forming one of the most potent backcourts in NBA history, the addition of Butler transforms the Warriors into instant title contenders. The trio combines elite shooting, veteran savvy, defensive prowess, and championship experience — all critical ingredients for a deep playoff run.
Curry, now 37, continues to defy age with his exceptional shooting and playmaking. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 25.9 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while maintaining a 43.5% three-point shooting percentage. As long as he remains healthy, Curry is expected to remain the engine that powers Golden State’s high-octane offense.
Adding Butler to the mix gives the Warriors a versatile forward capable of guarding multiple positions and initiating offense. Thompson’s perimeter defense and shooting provide balance, allowing Golden State to maintain its spacing while fortifying its defense.
Head coach Steve Kerr expressed his excitement about the revamped roster. “We’ve built something special here, and this new chapter is incredibly exciting. Klay’s commitment means the world to us. With Jimmy on board, I think we have a group that can compete with anyone.”
Building Around the Core
Beyond the big three, the Warriors’ front office has been active in constructing a competitive supporting cast. Young talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody are expected to take on expanded roles, while veterans such as Draymond Green and Kevon Looney remain integral to the team’s identity.
Golden State also signed free agent sharpshooter Malik Beasley to bolster their bench scoring and retained defensive specialist Gary Payton II. The combination of youthful energy and experienced leadership gives the team both depth and flexibility as they prepare for another grueling NBA season.
President of Basketball Operations Mike Dunleavy Jr. emphasized the importance of continuity and calculated aggression in free agency. “This offseason, we focused on staying true to our identity while making impactful additions. Retaining Klay was priority number one, and bringing in Jimmy took things to another level. We’re all in.”
Financial Implications and Future Outlook
The six-year, $190 million deal for Thompson will carry an average annual value of approximately $31.6 million. While the financial commitment is substantial, the Warriors are no strangers to operating deep in the luxury tax to maintain a championship-caliber roster. With the team’s arena revenue and brand strength, ownership has shown a willingness to spend in pursuit of titles.
The contracts for Curry, Butler, and Thompson now comprise a significant portion of the team’s salary cap, but the Warriors have managed to surround their stars with cost-effective role players and promising young assets.
Looking ahead, Golden State will need to balance its win-now mentality with long-term sustainability. Extending Kuminga and Moody, developing their recent draft picks, and managing future tax penalties will be critical as the front office looks to prolong the team’s window of contention.
A Message to the League
The re-signing of Klay Thompson and acquisition of Jimmy Butler sends a clear message: the Golden State Warriors are not ready to fade into the background. After years of sustained excellence, a brief retooling period, and the rise of new contenders across the league, Golden State is once again ready to challenge for the NBA’s ultimate prize.
Fans at Chase Center have every reason to be excited. With Curry, Thompson, and Butler leading the charge, the 2025-26 season could mark the beginning of yet another legendary chapter in Warriors history.
Social media erupted with reactions from fans, analysts, and NBA insiders alike. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski called the move “a masterclass in strategic roster building,” while TNT analyst Charles Barkley commented, “This might be the best three-man combo in the league right now. Watch out.”
Championship Expectations
The bar is now set sky-high. Anything short of a deep playoff run — and realistically, another NBA championship — will be seen as a disappointment. The trio of Curry, Thompson, and Butler have the experience, skill, and mentality to achieve that goal, but they’ll face stiff competition from the likes of the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Still, if there’s one thing the Warriors have proven over the past decade, it’s that they know how to win when it matters most. With Thompson re-committed, Butler hungry for a ring, and Curry still dazzling fans with his brilliance, Golden State enters the season with a renewed sense of purpose and a target on their back.
The dynasty may have evolved, but it’s far from over.
As the dust settles on one of the biggest offseasons in recent memory, one thing is certain — the Golden State Warriors are once again must-watch basketball.
Stay tuned, NBA fans. The Splash Brothers are back. And now, they’ve got company.
