When you think about the Golden State Warriors dynasty, a few images probably flash through your mind. Steph Curry pulling up from the logo. Draymond Green screaming at a referee. And then there's Klay Thompson—cool, detached, and absolutely lethal from the corner.
If you're asking how many rings does klay have, the short answer is four.
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But saying he has four rings is like saying a Ferrari has four wheels. It’s technically true, but it doesn't even begin to cover what’s under the hood. Klay didn't just "ride along" for those championships. He was the engine room. From the early 2015 breakthrough to the gritty, improbable 2022 comeback, Thompson’s jewelry collection tells the story of a decade of NBA dominance.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild to think about where he’s at now. In 2026, we're watching him suit up for the Dallas Mavericks, chasing a fifth ring to move past LeBron James and join the exclusive "five-ring club" with Kobe and Duncan.
The Four Rings: A Timeline of Dominance
Klay won every single one of his championships with the Golden State Warriors. He spent 13 seasons in the Bay before the shocking move to Dallas. Here is the breakdown of the years he reached the mountain top:
- 2015: The first one. They beat LeBron and the Cavs.
- 2017: The "superteam" era with Kevin Durant.
- 2018: The back-to-back sweep of Cleveland.
- 2022: The most emotional one, coming back from two years of injury hell.
That 2022 ring is the one that really defines his legacy. Most people thought Klay was done. After a torn ACL in the 2019 Finals and then an Achilles tear right as he was about to return, the narrative was that he’d never be the same. He wasn't. But he was still "Game 6 Klay" when it mattered, helping the Warriors dismantle the Boston Celtics in six games.
Why the 2016 Ring Doesn't Exist
It’s easy to get confused because the Warriors went to the Finals six times in eight years. You’d think they won more. But 2016 remains the biggest "what if" in sports history. 73 wins. A 3-1 lead. And then... the collapse.
Klay doesn't have a ring for that season, despite it being arguably his best individual year. He averaged over 22 points a game and kept them alive with that legendary 11-three-pointer performance against OKC in the Western Conference Finals. Without Klay in 2016, there is no 73-9. But without the trophy, there’s no ring.
Breaking Down the "Four-Ring" Legacy
When people argue about how many rings does klay have, they usually compare him to other shooting guards. Right now, he’s sitting at four. That puts him ahead of Dwyane Wade (3) and even with Shaquille O'Neal.
It’s a massive number.
Basically, Klay Thompson is a "made man" in NBA circles. Just recently in early 2026, during a heated exchange with Ja Morant, the rings were the ultimate trump card. Rachel Nichols even pointed out on Yardbarker that you can't really talk trash to a guy who has more hardware than most franchises.
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Klay’s role in these championships changed over time:
- The Sniper (2015): He was the secondary threat that forced teams to stop double-teaming Steph.
- The Two-Way Force (2017-2018): This was Klay at his peak. He’d guard the opponent's best player for 40 minutes and then drop 25 points without breaking a sweat.
- The Veteran Heart (2022): He wasn't the lockdown defender he used to be, but his gravity on the floor opened everything up for Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole.
What Most People Get Wrong About Klay's Rings
There’s this weird myth that Klay just caught passes from Steph and KD.
That’s total nonsense.
Look at the stats. In the 2017 Finals, he shot 42.5% from deep. In 2018, he bumped that up to nearly 43%. He wasn't just a passenger; he was the floor spacer that made the entire "Death Lineup" possible. If Klay isn't there, the defense shrinks. If the defense shrinks, Steph doesn't get those open looks. It’s a symbiotic relationship.
Also, don't forget the "Game 6 Klay" phenomenon.
- 2016 vs. OKC (Saved the season)
- 2018 vs. Houston (Saved the season)
- 2019 vs. Toronto (Was on track to save the season before the ACL tear)
The man specializes in high-stakes pressure. That’s why he has four rings and why most stars are lucky to have one.
The Quest for Number Five in Dallas
So, where are we now? It’s January 2026. Klay is 35 years old. He’s playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks have been a bit of a roller coaster lately. They’ve struggled with injuries—even their young star Cooper Flagg has been sidelined with an ankle sprain—but Klay is still out there moving up the record books. Just days ago, he passed Damian Lillard to move into fourth place on the all-time three-pointers made list.
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Does he need a fifth ring to prove anything? Probably not. His Hall of Fame jacket is already tailored. But Klay is a competitor. He didn't go to Dallas just for the Texas BBQ; he went there because he thinks Luka Dončić can help him get one more.
If he gets that fifth ring, he enters the stratosphere. We’re talking Magic Johnson territory.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're a basketball fan or a memorabilia collector, understanding the value of these championships is key.
- Watch the 2022 Highlights: If you want to see the "true" Klay, watch his 2022 playoff run. It’s a masterclass in mental toughness.
- Track the 3-Point Records: Klay is currently chasing Ray Allen and James Harden for that #2 spot on the all-time list. Every game he plays in 2026 is a piece of history.
- Mavericks Potential: Keep an eye on the Mavs' trade deadline. If they get Klay some defensive help, they are a dark horse for the 2026 title.
- Respect the "Four": Whenever someone tries to downplay Klay, just remind them that only a handful of players in the modern era have four or more rings while being a starter for all of them.
Klay Thompson’s career isn't over yet, but the four rings he already owns are enough to cement him as one of the greatest winners to ever pick up a basketball. Whether he adds a fifth in Dallas or stays at four, his legacy as the ultimate "3-and-D" superstar is untouchable.