NBA, Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson
Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson Celebrate Brotherhood With ANTA KAI 2 ‘Klay’ Release

Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson are marking the start of their partnership as Dallas Mavericks teammates with a new sneaker release. ANTA announced the launch of the KAI 2 “Klay,” a colorway honoring the bond between the two stars, set to release Friday, Sept. 26, for $125.

Irving and Thompson entered the league in the same draft class and later became rivals in NBA Finals matchups as members of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. Now, both are teammates in Dallas and share a connection through ANTA, where their on-court partnership is matched with a shared endorsement platform.

“Two prodigies turned Finals rivals. Now teammates chasing a title together,” ANTA said in its launch announcement, describing the release as a tribute to a brotherhood built on mutual support and a love for the game.

Design Represents Water and Wind

The KAI 2 “Klay” incorporates themes tied to each player’s style of play. Irving’s creativity and fluid handle are reflected in water-inspired design elements, while Thompson’s agility and quick release are represented by wind.

The colorway features a blend of sky blues, vibrant golds, and subtle green accents. ANTA said the palette was chosen to symbolize calmness, perseverance, and balance, capturing how the two complement one another both on and off the court.

Launch Set for September 26

The sneaker will be available at ANTA.com, Foot Locker (US & EU), Dick’s Sporting Goods, Scheels, Hibbett, and JD Sports (Canada). Retail price is $125.

The release aligns with the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, where Irving and Thompson will debut as teammates in Dallas. Both veterans are chasing another championship and will showcase their connection on the court, reinforced by the latest addition to Irving’s signature line.

Latest NBA News & Rumors

Leave a Response

Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
is a Senior Writer for Dallas Hoops Journal and a lead contributor to Roundtable.io. With over a decade of experience as a credentialed journalist, Afseth provides elite tactical analysis and front-office strategy for the Mavericks, Wings, and Texas basketball. His reporting is featured across national platforms including Newsweek, RG.org, Hoops Rumors, and Athlon Sports. A primary source for the basketball community, his work is frequently cited by Wikipedia, RealGM, and Basketball-Reference. He previously served as a Mavericks and NBA reporter for Sports Illustrated's FanNation and Rockets/OnSI, as well as Ballislife, Heavy Sports, ClutchPoints, and NBA Analysis Network. During the Mavericks' 2024 NBA Finals run and the pivotal 2025 offseason—featuring his lead reporting on the Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade—he served as a featured insider for The Texas Standard and BBC Sport Radio. Afseth is a regular guest on Fox 4 Dallas and 105.3 The Fan. He previously reported for the Kokomo Tribune and Winsidr. Follow his real-time reporting on X @GrantAfseth.