Klay Thompson is working. Not coasting, not vacationing — grinding. And he’s doing it not in San Francisco, not in Los Angeles, but in Dallas, Texas. A city that has suddenly become the epicenter of NBA intrigue as fans and analysts alike try to decode what Thompson’s latest move might mean for the next chapter of his career.

After 13 unforgettable seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson shocked the basketball world by leaving the only franchise he’s ever known. The five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion signed with the Dallas Mavericks in a stunning free agency move this offseason, forming a new core alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. And now, barely a month later, Klay has been spotted in full-on summer workout mode — on a gym floor in Dallas — hinting at a player more focused and energized than ever.

The Grind Begins Early

The clip, posted by Thompson himself on social media with the caption “Having a blast 😌”, shows the sharpshooter playing intense one-on-one in a private gym, showcasing slick footwork, defensive hustle, and that trademark silky jumper. He’s wearing minimalist summer gear — a dark tank top and gray shorts — but there’s nothing casual about the energy. This is not vacation Klay. This is locked-in Klay.

Fans were quick to pick up on the context. The location, Dallas, is key. The background shows a local facility associated with elite basketball training in Texas, and Thompson’s choice to do his offseason work here — rather than in California or the Bahamas, his usual summer destinations — signals a serious investment in the next phase of his NBA journey.

A Statement of Intent

Klay Thompson’s move to Dallas wasn’t just about basketball. It was about reinvention. After two injury-riddled seasons and an inconsistent 2024 campaign that ended with the Warriors missing the playoffs, Thompson was looking for a clean slate. The Mavericks, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance and hungry for a title, offered him not only a competitive roster but a chance to redefine his role and reclaim his status as one of the league’s most feared perimeter threats.

This summer grind, then, isn’t just physical. It’s symbolic. It says: “I’m not done.”

Dallas didn’t sign Klay just for his past résumé. They’re betting on his future. And from the looks of it, so is he.

Fitting In With Luka and Kyrie

One of the biggest questions entering the 2025-26 season is how Thompson will fit alongside Dončić and Irving, two ball-dominant guards who thrive with the ball in their hands. The answer lies in Klay’s unique ability to contribute without disrupting flow.

He doesn’t need to dominate the ball. In fact, no player in modern NBA history has been more efficient off the catch than Klay Thompson. He once scored 60 points on 11 dribbles. His off-ball movement, defensive IQ, and shooting gravity will give Luka and Kyrie more space to operate — and in turn, give Dallas one of the most potent perimeter attacks in the league.

But for that to work, Klay needs to be sharp, in rhythm, and confident. And judging by this early summer footage, he’s already laying the groundwork.

New Team, New Identity?

Another subplot to this grind is the question of Klay’s identity in a Mavericks uniform. For over a decade, Thompson was synonymous with the Warriors’ dynasty — a stoic sniper who delivered in the biggest moments, from Game 6 heroics to defensive stands against the league’s best guards. In Dallas, he won’t be expected to carry that same burden, but he’ll be counted on to provide veteran leadership, championship pedigree, and elite shot-making in high-pressure moments.

The gym session video, although short, suggests he’s embracing that challenge. There’s intensity, but also a lightness — a sense that this new environment might be just what he needed to reignite the fire.

Why Dallas Is the Perfect Fit

The Mavericks weren’t just looking to add another scorer. They needed a culture-setter, someone with playoff mileage who knows how to win without drama. Klay, known for his low-maintenance attitude and unshakeable poise, fits that bill perfectly.

Dallas also offers him a coaching staff that understands how to maximize veterans, a front office that has gone all-in to win now, and two co-stars who respect the spotlight enough to share it. It’s a place where Klay can thrive as a role star rather than a superstar — and potentially extend his career by several impactful seasons.

Setting the Tone Early

By choosing to train in Dallas rather than elsewhere, Thompson is sending a message to teammates, coaches, and fans: he’s all in. He’s not just joining the Mavericks for a farewell tour or a cash-out contract. He’s here to work, to contribute, and to win.

And in an era where superstars often float through the offseason with media appearances and brand deals, Klay Thompson showing up at a Dallas gym in August, getting buckets and grinding quietly, speaks volumes.

The Final Word

Summer Grind in Dallas: Klay Thompson’s New Chapter Begins?
The answer already seems clear: yes. And he’s writing it one jump shot at a time.

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the spotlight will be on Luka and Kyrie, but don’t be surprised if the real X-factor in Dallas turns out to be the guy who just keeps showing up, working in silence, and letting his game speak loudest. That’s Klay Thompson, and his new chapter has officially begun.