What number will Klay Thompson wear with Mavericks? How sharpshooter plans to honor legendary guards in Dallas

After a legendary 13-year run in the Bay Area, Klay Thompson will have to get used to some new digs — and a new jersey number.

The longtime Warriors wing inked a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks via a sign-and-trade deal. The move brought a sudden end to one of the most successful tenures with a single franchise in league history.

Over the course of his glittering spell with Golden State, Thompson was a force. He compiled five All-Star appearances, two All-NBA selections and, most notably, four championship rings.

Thompson did all of that while sporting a familiar digit on his back: No. 11, an integer that has been significant all throughout his life. While the Warriors announced that no one else will ever wear Thompson’s No. 11 in Golden State, he won’t be doing so in Dallas. Here’s why.

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Why can’t Klay Thompson wear No. 11 with the Mavericks?

The reason why Thompson, 34, won’t be wearing No. 11 is a simple one: It belongs to someone else.

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving received the number after spending his first half-season in Dallas wearing No. 2.

Irving, an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and fellow NBA champion, has quite an impressive resume himself. Thompson isn’t enough of a star to displace Irving as holder of No. 11. The Washington State product will have to settle for another digit instead.

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What number will Klay Thompson wear with the Mavericks?

Thompson will wear No. 31 with the Mavericks.

Thompson explained the choice during his introductory press conference. The pivot to No. 31 was inspired by two other players to experience success in the number.

“Jason Terry won a championship wearing that number and we play similar styles in terms of the off-guard position,” Thompson explained, drawing a comparison to Terry, who played a key role in Dallas’ 2011 championship team.

Thompson enters the 2024-25 season needing 80 3s to pass Reggie Miller on the all-time list. He added that passing Miller while wearing Miller’s famed number would be the ultimate way to pay homage.

During his high school and college days, Thompson wore No. 1 to great acclaim. His college career was sparkling, with the former Cougar twice earning All-Pac-12 honors for his exploits. He was eventually inducted into Washington State’s Hall of Fame, having his jersey number retired in the process.

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Klay Thompson jersey number history

Thompson has worn one jersey number during his professional career — No. 11. He did, however, rock No. 1 while at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and Washington State.

Mavericks retired numbers

Four former Dallas players received the ultimate recognition for their contributions with the franchise, including former MVP and soon-to-be Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki.

Here’s a look at those whose digits have been launched into the rafters:

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