Mavericks deliver Klay Thompson a brutal reality after signing former Warriors guard

The Golden State Warriors are yet to make a move four hours into the start of free agency, having seen Kevon Looney walk out the door to the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-year, $16 million contract.

A number of former Warriors have also been on the move, including D'Angelo Russell who has reportedly signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Klay Thompson won't necessarily love playing with D'Angelo Russell

With Kyrie Irving set to miss a big chunk of next season after his devastating torn ACL, the Mavericks suddenly had a clear need at point guard after stunningly giving up Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

But is Russell really the answer? Clearly the Mavericks think he is, but this is someone who has never spent more than 190 games with a franchise across the course of his 10-year career.

Russell only lasted 33 games with the Warriors in the 2019-20 season, proving enough time for them to judge that he wouldn't be part of their next playoff team and subsequently trading him smartly for Andrew Wiggins and a future pick that became Jonathan Kuminga.

Russell's arrival in Dallas signals a reunion between he and former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, while it will also allow the 29-year-old to pair up with Golden State legend Klay Thompson.

Thompson was recovering from his own torn ACL during Russell's time with the Warriors, meaning the duo were never able to share the floor together. Now they present as the Mavericks' starting back court entering next season, making for an interesting fit amid the loaded Western Conference.

Going from Stephen Curry, to signing with Doncic and Irving, to starting the following season with Russell is a huge downgrade and a brutal reality for Thompson in terms of the back court teammates he's been accustomed to throughout his entire NBA career.

Will Russell be able to get Thompson the sort of open looks he needs at this point of his career, or will his score-first nature actually be a detriment to the 5x All-Star and the likes of Davis and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg?

Many have already applauded the Mavericks for the Russell signing, but it might not be the most thrilling news for Thompson who's role and shot-attempts already saw a dip in what was an underwhelming first season with the franchise.