Seeing Klay Thompson in anything other than Golden State blue and gold still feels like a glitch in the Matrix. For over a decade, the guy was a pillar in the Bay Area, but life moves fast. Now, the klay thompson dallas jersey is a reality, and it’s one of the most sought-after pieces of threads in the NBA right now. It isn't just a new team; it's a complete identity shift for a guy who many thought would never leave the Warriors.
If you’re looking at that #31 on his back and wondering why he didn’t stick with #11, you aren't alone. It’s a weird number for Klay. But there’s a lot of layers to why he’s rocking it in Big D.
The Story Behind the Number 31
Klay didn't just pick #31 out of a hat. When he landed in Dallas via that massive three-year, $50 million sign-and-trade deal in the summer of 2024, #11 was already "unofficially" occupied in the hearts of some, but more importantly, Klay wanted a fresh start.
Most people assumed he’d go for something related to his dad, Mychal Thompson, who wore #43. Instead, Klay went with 31 as a direct tribute to two guys: Reggie Miller and Jason Terry.
Reggie Miller is the obvious one. Every shooter of Klay’s generation grew up idolizing Reggie’s ability to run off screens and kill teams from deep. Klay has often said that Reggie’s movement without the ball was the blueprint for his own game. Then there’s "The Jet," Jason Terry. Terry is a Dallas legend who wore #31 when the Mavs won it all in 2011. By picking that number, Klay was basically telling Mavs fans, "I’m here to do exactly what Terry did."
Honestly, it’s a bold move. You don’t wear The Jet’s number in Dallas unless you plan on hitting some huge shots in May and June.
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What the Jersey Actually Looks Like
If you’re trying to buy one, you’ve got a few options, and they aren't all created equal. The Mavs have a pretty consistent rotation of jersey "editions," and Klay’s name is slapped on all of them.
- The Icon Edition: This is the classic Mavs blue. It’s the one you’ll see him in most often at home. It’s got the white lettering with the silver trim.
- The Association Edition: This is the clean, all-white look. Basically the road-warrior vibe but often worn at home too because the NBA’s jersey rules are kinda chaotic these days.
- The Statement Edition: This one is navy blue. It’s a bit sleeker, usually featuring the "Mavs" wordmark across the chest rather than the full "Dallas."
- The City Edition: For the 2025-26 season, the City Edition jerseys have been a huge talking point. They often feature local Dallas motifs or "Trinity River" vibes.
The klay thompson dallas jersey in the City Edition style is usually the first to sell out because it’s a one-and-done design. If you see one you like, you probably shouldn't wait.
The "Luka Factor" and Why This Jersey Matters
Let's be real: people aren't just buying this jersey because they like the color blue. They're buying it because of the potential of what Klay does next to Luka Doncic.
The early 2024-25 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. Klay had some games where he looked like the Splash Brother of old—dropping 35 points and looking effortless. Then he had stretches where the shot just wouldn't fall. But the jersey represents a specific era of Dallas basketball. It’s the "all-in" era.
There was actually some drama in late 2025. Rumors started swirling about Klay’s future as the Mavs front office made some aggressive moves (like the trade for Anthony Davis that sent shockwaves through the league). Some fans were worried Klay might be on the move again. But as of 2026, he’s still there, under contract at roughly $17.4 million for the 2026-27 season.
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He’s become a veteran leader in that locker room. Even when his shooting percentage dips, his gravity on the court changes everything for the rest of the team.
Why Fan Reaction Has Been So Emotional
Klay is a sensitive guy. We saw it when he talked about his late dog, Rocco, in a team video that went viral recently. Fans in Dallas have really embraced him, not just as a shooter, but as a person.
When you wear a klay thompson dallas jersey, you’re supporting a guy who took a pay cut to be there. He turned down more money from the Lakers and other teams because he believed in the Dallas culture. That earns you a lot of respect in a city like Dallas.
Buying Guide: Authentic vs. Swingman
If you’re looking to drop some cash on a jersey, you need to know what you’re getting.
The Swingman version is what most people buy. It’s usually around $130. It’s made of that "Dri-FIT" double-knit mesh. The numbers are heat-applied, meaning they’re essentially "pressed" on. It’s great for wearing to games or just rocking with a hoodie.
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Then you have the Authentic version. This is the $250+ beast. This is exactly what Klay wears on the court. It has the stitched twill details, the specific "Aeroswift" fabric that’s lighter and more breathable, and the fit is much more athletic (read: tighter).
Don't buy the Authentic unless you really want a collector's piece or you're in peak athlete shape yourself. For most of us, the Swingman is the way to go.
Tips for spotting fakes
Because this jersey is so popular, there are a million knock-offs online.
- Check the Logo: On official Nike jerseys, the Swoosh should be crisp. If the "S" in Mavericks looks slightly wonky, it’s a fake.
- The Jock Tag: Look at the bottom left of the jersey. It should have a satin-woven tag with the NBA logo and the Nike logo. Fake ones often have blurry text here.
- Price: If you see a klay thompson dallas jersey for $30 on a random website, it’s a fake. Period.
What’s Next for Klay in Dallas?
The 2025-26 season is a legacy-defining one for Klay. He’s looking to prove that he isn't just a "system player" from the Warriors. He wants to show he can be the missing piece for a championship team in a completely different environment.
Whether he’s hitting five threes in a quarter or struggling through a slump, that #31 jersey is going to be a staple in the American Airlines Center for a while. It represents a legend trying to write a second act.
If you're looking to grab one, your best bet is the official Mavs Shop or the NBA Store. They usually have the best stock of the various editions. Just make sure you double-check the sizing, especially on the Nike Icon jerseys, as they tend to run a bit slim.
To get the most out of your purchase, look for the "Statement Edition" in navy. It’s arguably the sharpest design they’ve released recently and hides stadium mustard stains way better than the Association whites. If you're a collector, keep an eye on auction sites like Sotheby’s—they’ve actually auctioned off game-worn Klay jerseys from his 35-point performances earlier this season, though those will cost you a lot more than $130.