The NBA world has grown used to Klay Thompson raining three-pointers, celebrating championships, and delivering highlight-reel performances on basketball’s biggest stages. But the four-time NBA champion is starting to look ahead, and his latest comments have given fans a glimpse of what life after the NBA might hold — and it involves a move that few would have guessed during his prime years.

The 34-year-old sharpshooter, now playing for the Dallas Mavericks, recently opened up in a conversation with NBA legend Michael Cooper, and his response was nothing short of a bombshell for fans of both the NBA and the Big3 Basketball League.

From Splash Brother to Big3 Pioneer?

When Cooper asked Thompson whether he would consider playing in the Big3 — the professional 3-on-3 basketball league that features former NBA and international stars — Thompson didn’t hesitate. His answer was a confident yes, followed by enthusiasm for the format that has slowly built a global following since its launch in 2017.

“Absolutely, especially with that four-point ball. That gets me excited,” Thompson told Cooper with a smile, hinting at his love for long-range shooting even in a shorter, faster game format. He also added, “I want the Big3 to go international. That’d be so fun to see the Big3 go overseas. 3-on-3 basketball is played more around the globe than 5-on-5.”

That comment might seem casual, but for a league looking to expand globally, having a player of Thompson’s stature endorse it — let alone express interest in joining — is a massive statement.

The Big3’s Rise and the NBA Connection

The Big3 has carved out a unique space in basketball culture since its debut. Founded by hip-hop mogul Ice Cube, the league started as a summer showcase for former NBA stars and high-level players who still wanted to compete. With half-court action, a 14-second shot clock, a four-point line, and a “first-to” scoring system, the league feels both nostalgic and innovative — a bridge between playground legends and professional entertainment.

Over the years, the league has featured notable names including Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard, Michael Beasley, Lance Stephenson, Jason Richardson, and more. Its popularity has steadily grown in part due to its accessibility: three-on-three is easier to organize, faster to follow, and appealing to younger global audiences who see it as an alternative to traditional 5-on-5 basketball.

In 2025, the Miami 305, coached by Michael Cooper, captured the Big3 championship after defeating the Chicago Triplets, coached by NBA Hall of Famer Julius Erving. With a roster of stars, global expansion on the horizon, and a strong media presence, the league is in its best position yet to attract future NBA greats.

Adding someone like Klay Thompson — a beloved figure, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, and a player with international recognition — would instantly raise the league’s profile.

Thompson’s NBA Journey: From Golden State Glory to Dallas Rebirth

Before thinking about his post-NBA career, it’s worth revisiting the journey that brought Klay Thompson here. Drafted 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2011, Thompson became one-half of the legendary “Splash Brothers” duo alongside Stephen Curry. Together, they revolutionized the way basketball was played, turning the three-pointer from a tactical option into the focal point of championship-level offense.

Thompson’s career with Golden State yielded four NBA championships, five All-Star appearances, two All-NBA selections, and some of the most iconic playoff performances in modern basketball history, including his unforgettable 37-point quarter and his clutch Game 6 heroics multiple times throughout the Warriors’ dynasty run.

But after injuries and roster changes reshaped the Warriors, Thompson was traded in a six-team sign-and-trade deal to the Dallas Mavericks in July 2024. His three-year, $50 million contract gave Dallas a proven shooter and veteran leader for a roster undergoing massive transformation — including the blockbuster trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, the addition of Anthony Davis, and the drafting of future superstar Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick.

Last season, Thompson played 72 games, averaging 14 points, 3.4 rebounds, and two assists per game. While still effective, that scoring mark was the lowest since his rookie season, signaling that his prime years are now behind him — but also that he remains a capable contributor.

Why the Big3 Makes Perfect Sense for Thompson

Looking at his comments and his career trajectory, a transition to the Big3 feels almost natural for Thompson. Here’s why:

His Shooting Fits Perfectly – With a four-point line and a format that rewards outside scoring, Thompson’s skillset would dominate Big3 games, making him an instant star.

Lower Physical Demand – At this stage of his career, avoiding the grind of an 82-game NBA season could extend his basketball life while still letting him compete at a high level.

Star Power for Expansion – As someone with global recognition, Thompson joining the league would accelerate its international ambitions, potentially serving as a bridge for NBA fans to follow the Big3.

Cultural Influence – Thompson is known for his charisma, laid-back humor, and love for different aspects of basketball culture. In a league that blends entertainment and sport, he’d be a perfect fit.

What Comes Next?

For now, Klay Thompson remains focused on the NBA season ahead with the Dallas Mavericks. With Cooper Flagg entering the league as a highly-touted rookie, Thompson’s veteran presence and shooting could play a key role in shaping Dallas’s identity in the post-Doncic era.

But the writing is on the wall: Thompson knows his NBA career is closer to the end than the beginning, and he’s already laying out an exciting next chapter. If the Big3 can secure him once he decides to step away from the NBA, they wouldn’t just be adding another star — they’d be signing a cultural icon whose presence could redefine the league’s reach and credibility.

In the end, whether he’s dropping threes at Madison Square Garden or hitting four-pointers on a global Big3 tour, one thing remains certain: Klay Thompson is far from done giving basketball fans something to cheer about.