It feels weird. Seeing Klay Thompson in anything other than Golden State blue and gold is a literal glitch in the matrix for NBA fans. For thirteen years, the guy was a fixture in the Bay. Now, he’s in Dallas. And honestly, the most jarring part isn’t even the change of scenery—it's the back of the shirt. If you've been looking for a Klay Thompson Mavericks jersey, you’ve probably noticed the number 11 is gone.
He’s wearing 31 now.
It’s a bizarre sight. Most of us grew up watching the "Splash Brothers" define an era with 30 and 11. But when Klay landed in Texas, he didn't just pick a random number out of a hat. There’s actually a lot of intentionality behind it, even if seeing him pull up for a three in a Mavs "City Edition" kit still feels like a fever dream.
Why the Number 31? It's Not Just a Random Choice
So, why 31? The obvious answer is that Kyrie Irving already owns number 11 in Dallas. You don't just walk into a locker room and take a superstar’s number, even if you have four rings. But Klay didn't just settle for what was left. He chose 31 to pay homage to a couple of legends.
First off, Reggie Miller. Klay has always been a student of the game, and he’s currently chasing Miller on the all-time three-pointers made list. Wearing Reggie's number while trying to pass him? That's a "real recognize real" move.
Then there’s the local connection. Jason Terry, the "Jet," famously wore 31 when the Mavericks won their first title in 2011. Terry was a high-energy, sharpshooting guard who came off the bench and destroyed defenses. Sound familiar? Klay’s basically signaling that he knows the assignment. He’s here to be that veteran spark that pushes a talented Dallas roster over the hump.
The Different Versions of the Klay Thompson Mavericks Jersey
If you’re actually looking to buy one of these, you have to navigate the maze of modern NBA apparel. Nike doesn’t make it easy. Basically, you’ve got three main tiers, and they vary wildly in price and "vibe."
- The Icon Edition: This is the standard Dallas blue. It’s what you see most nights. It’s classic, safe, and looks good with jeans.
- The Association Edition: The clean white look. Honestly, Klay looks surprisingly sharp in the white Mavs jersey. It’s got a very "fresh start" feel to it.
- The Statement Edition: These are usually the darker navy or black designs. They look aggressive. For a guy like Klay, who’s playing with a massive chip on his shoulder after the way things ended in San Francisco, the Statement jersey feels appropriate.
Prices are pretty standard across the board for 2026. A Swingman version (the one most fans buy) will run you about $125. If you’re feeling like a high roller, the Authentic versions—the ones with the actual stitched fabric and "on-court" tech—can push $200 or more.
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Real Talk: How's the Fit and Quality?
I’ve spent way too much time looking at these jerseys. One thing people often miss: Nike changed the "chassis" of these jerseys a few years back. They run a bit slimmer than the old Adidas ones from a decade ago. If you’re between sizes, seriously, go up. Nothing ruins the look of a new $130 jersey like it being too tight around the ribs while you're trying to eat wings at a sports bar.
The materials are 100% recycled polyester. It’s lightweight, sure. It wicks sweat. But if you’re buying the Swingman, the numbers are heat-applied. That means they can peel if you're not careful.
Pro tip: Never, ever put these in the dryer. Wash them inside out on cold and hang-dry them. If you toss Klay's jersey in a high-heat dryer cycle, that "31" is going to look like a shriveled raisin in six months.
Is This the Most Popular Jersey in Dallas Right Now?
It’s close. Luka Doncic obviously owns the city. You can’t walk a block in Deep Ellum without seeing a number 77. And since the Mavs drafted Cooper Flagg, those jerseys have been flying off the shelves too.
But there’s a specific nostalgia-meets-hope energy with the Klay Thompson Mavericks jersey. It’s the jersey of the "X-factor." Fans in Dallas are realistic; they know Klay isn't the 2016 version of himself who could drop 60 points in three quarters. But they love the professionalism. After the Mavs' early struggles in the 2025-26 season, Klay’s jersey became a bit of a symbol for the "grind." He hasn't complained about his role. He just shows up and shoots.
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Spotting a Fake (Don’t Get Scammed)
Since the demand is high, the "reps" are everywhere. You’ll see them on sketchy sites for $35. Sometimes they look decent from ten feet away, but up close, the flaws are glaring.
- The Blue Shade: Mavs blue is very specific. Fakes often come out a bit too "electric" or slightly purple.
- The Jock Tag: Look at the bottom left of the jersey. On a real Nike jersey, the silver jock tag is crisp, and the "31" should be perfectly aligned. On fakes, the stitching around that tag is usually messy.
- The NBA Logo: Check the Jerry West logo on the back neck. If he looks like he’s melting or has a weirdly shaped head, put it back.
Actionable Steps for the Fan
If you're ready to pull the trigger and represent the new era of Dallas basketball, here is the smartest way to do it:
- Check the Sales: Retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and the NBA Store often run 20% off promos right after a big holiday or during the All-Star break. Don't pay full price if you don't have to.
- Choose Your Tier Wisely: If you’re going to play pickup ball in it, get the Swingman. If it’s strictly for the fan cave or framing, look into the Autographed Authentic editions—they hold value much better.
- Size Up: Seriously. Unless you have the physique of an NBA shooting guard, that "Standard Fit" is tighter than you think.
- Keep the Receipt: If you buy from a stadium shop, keep that paper. If Klay gets traded (unlikely, but this is the NBA), some shops offer "Jersey Assurance" where you can swap it out.
The Klay Thompson Mavericks jersey isn't just a piece of sports merch. It’s a souvenir of one of the weirdest, most interesting career pivots in modern basketball history. Whether he hits a game-winner in the playoffs or just provides veteran leadership, that number 31 is going to be a staple in the American Airlines Center for a long time.
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Grab one, wash it cold, and enjoy the ride.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
Compare the material weights between the Icon and Statement editions at a local fan shop before buying, as the fabric "hand-feel" can vary slightly between the blue and navy dyes used by Nike. Once you have it, ensure you're using a padded hanger to prevent "jersey nipples" (stretched shoulders) if you plan on displaying it on a wall.