Klay Thompson Sends a Surprising 3-Word Message to Former Teammate After Joining the Mavs

The NBA offseason of 2025 has delivered no shortage of surprises, but few moments hit Warriors fans right in the heart like Klay Thompson’s latest Instagram post. The newly minted Dallas Mavericks guard casually dropped a throwback clip from a Miami workout, tagging D’Angelo Russell, but what stole the show was the caption: “STACHE BROS! Wya @jordan_poole”.

In just three words, Thompson managed to open a floodgate of Golden State Warriors nostalgia, summon memories of Miami gym sessions, and remind the league that some bonds in basketball run deeper than contracts and trades. For a generation of fans who watched the Splash Brothers era define modern basketball, this simple message hit like a buzzer-beating three.

The Mavs Era Begins: Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell Reunited

Let’s rewind for a moment. Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell were briefly teammates during the 2019–20 NBA season, but Thompson never logged a minute of playing time due to his ACL injury. Fast forward to 2025, and the duo finally shares the court for real—this time wearing Dallas Mavericks jerseys.

The Mavericks are banking on this partnership paying dividends. With Kyrie Irving expected to miss significant time recovering from ACL surgery, Dallas moved quickly to sign Russell to a two-year, $12 million deal. While not a blockbuster contract in today’s cap-inflated NBA, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move that gives the Mavs a steady hand at point guard while Kyrie heals.

Klay and D’Lo working out together in Miami earlier this summer wasn’t just a friendly offseason session—it was the start of Dallas’ new backcourt chemistry.

A Team Quietly Taking Shape

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2025 roster is quietly one of the most intriguing in the Western Conference. Anchored by Anthony Davis, guided by MVP candidate Luka Doncic, and energized by rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, the team has a balanced mix of veterans and rising stars.

Throw in Klay Thompson’s sharpshooting, Russell’s playmaking, and defensive grinders like PJ Washington, and you have a squad that could give the reigning champs a serious run for their money.

No, this isn’t the 2017 Golden State Warriors “Death Lineup.” But for Klay, this Mavericks group may be the best team he’s played on since those glory days.

The Hidden Meaning Behind ‘STACHE BROS’

Fans were quick to ask: Why “STACHE BROS”? While the name may seem random, it carries layers of history. The “Stache Bros” moniker originally referred to the bond between teammates who shared not just facial hair but a spirit of brotherhood and hustle.

For Klay Thompson, this was about more than beards and throwback clips. It was a nod to the mentorship and camaraderie he shared with Jordan Poole—a player who rose through the Warriors system and looked up to Klay as a big brother.

Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson: A Bond Beyond Basketball

Klay and Poole’s relationship has always been deeper than your typical veteran-rookie dynamic. After a huge win against the Utah Jazz in 2022, Poole spoke emotionally about embracing Klay:

“I just really wanted to show him I’m lil bro and I’m watching and I’m a fan for sure.”

In return, Klay was one of Poole’s loudest supporters during the young guard’s early struggles and meteoric rise. On the Podcast P with Paul George, Thompson recounted Poole going 2-for-15 one night and still heading back to the gym for extra shots:

“That reminded me of my younger self.”

That’s not just advice—that’s legacy building.

Life After Golden State: Klay Thompson’s New Chapter

Thompson’s decision to leave the Warriors was bittersweet. After all, he helped bring four championships to the Bay and became part of the most iconic shooting duo in league history alongside Stephen Curry.

But every dynasty faces its end, and for Thompson, Dallas represented a fresh start, a chance to chase another ring while still contributing at a high level.

In Dallas, Klay can thrive in his natural role—running off screens, catching and shooting, and spacing the floor for Luka Doncic. No more forcing isolation plays. No more trying to be something he’s not. It’s back to basics, and that’s where Klay has always been most dangerous.

D’Angelo Russell: The Unsung Piece

Don’t sleep on D’Angelo Russell’s arrival in Dallas, either. While his numbers with the Lakers and Nets last year (12.6 points, 5.1 assists) didn’t turn heads, he remains a savvy ball-handler who can run the offense and hit open shots.

With Klay and Luka taking defensive attention, Russell should find cleaner looks and less pressure to create off the dribble. In a league where spacing is everything, his fit alongside Thompson feels seamless.

The Bigger Picture: Kyrie Irving’s Injury Forces New Solutions

The Mavericks’ pivot to sign Russell wasn’t just about adding depth—it was about survival. With Kyrie Irving sidelined, Dallas needed another playmaker who could stabilize the offense.

Russell isn’t Kyrie, but he’s a capable stopgap. And when Kyrie returns, the Mavs suddenly have one of the deepest guard rotations in the league.

The Mavericks Are Quietly a Contender

Let’s review the core:

• Luka Doncic: MVP candidate

• Anthony Davis: Defensive anchor

• Klay Thompson: Veteran sharpshooter

• Cooper Flagg: Rookie phenom already showing flashes of brilliance

• D’Angelo Russell & PJ Washington: Glue guys who do the little things

That’s a championship-caliber roster—if everyone stays healthy.

Brotherhood Beyond the Jersey

Even as Thompson embraces his Dallas chapter, his bond with Poole remains unshaken. After Poole’s trade to Washington, he spoke warmly about his Warriors mentors:

“I can text Steph. I can text Klay. I can call them… that doesn’t go anywhere.”

Brotherhood in the NBA isn’t about what team you’re on; it’s about shared battles, shared failures, and shared triumphs.

The New Splash? Not Quite—but Close

Fans may be tempted to call the new Doncic-Thompson-Russell trio the next iteration of the Splash Brothers. Let’s pump the brakes—there’s only one Splash legacy.

But there’s no denying the offensive firepower Dallas has assembled. If Klay can recapture even 80% of his prime form, and Doncic continues his MVP-level brilliance, the Mavericks could find themselves deep in the Western Conference playoffs.

What Happens Next for Jordan Poole?

Poole, now with the Washington Wizards, is in a different phase of his career—leading a rebuilding squad and fighting to prove he’s more than just a heat-check scorer.

But make no mistake: the bond with Klay Thompson lives on. Don’t be surprised if we see offseason workouts, joint podcasts, or even friendly on-court trash talk between the two.

Klay Thompson: Still Writing His Story

Klay Thompson’s move to the Mavericks isn’t a farewell tour—it’s a new chapter. He’s not just ring-chasing; he’s finding joy in the game again. Whether launching corner threes off a Luka dime or mentoring the next wave of shooters, Klay’s impact remains profound.

And if his Instagram story is any indication, he’s still having fun with it.

Final Thoughts: Nostalgia Meets New Beginnings

In just three words—“STACHE BROS! Wya”—Klay Thompson reminded us why we love sports. It’s not just the stats or the highlights. It’s the connections that transcend teams, cities, and eras.

As the 2025–26 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas. Can this new-look Mavs squad capture lightning in a bottle? Can Klay find one more deep playoff run before calling it a career?

Time will tell. But for now, the brotherhood lives on.