Getty
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 03: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a call during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 03, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The relationship between Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson and Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion has kept the internet in a state of debate since they went public in July 2025.
But a viral podcast clip has reignited a fiery debate: Did Meg actually put Klay on the map? Dallas Mavericks fans are firing back, and they have a lot to say.
Madame Joyce’s Hot Take Goes Viral
The spark came from the podcast, hosted by the outspoken Madame Joyce. She drew sharp parallels between Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson’s public profiles, and between Cardi B and NFL receiver Stefon Diggs, arguing that female celebrities wield social power that is often overlooked.
“We didn’t know Klay Thompson before Meg Thee Stallion. We didn’t know Stefan Diggs before Cardi B,” Joyce stated, adding that while these athletes may have more money, “these girls have social and global influence.” She went further, claiming men strategically date high-profile women for a “social come up,” using their partners’ cultural currency to elevate their own status.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith became one of the loudest voices backing Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson amid the breakup drama. While not defending cheating, Smith slammed Megan for going public, reminding the internet exactly who Thompson is: a four-time NBA champion, Splash Brothers legend, and a future Hall of Famer.
Mavericks Fans Defend Klay Thompson
GettyMavericks Fans Back Klay Thompson After Viral Megan Thee Stallion Clout Claim
The backlash to Madame Joyce’s claims was swift and strong from the NBA community.
One fan pushed back hard, saying, “Yea nobody knew a 4-time champion of an NBA team with one of the biggest fan bases.”
Another noted, “Klay has sold more jerseys at $100+ than Megan has sold albums.”
One commenter didn’t hold back, writing, “Lmaoo sure — 60 pts with 11 dribbles, 4X champion with his Splash Brother Steph Curry btw.”
“Saying nobody knew a 4x NBA Champion and one-half of the Splash Brothers is unheard of,” one fan said pointedly.
Another wrote, “Klay Thompson being a world-famous star basketball player is ENTIRELY the reason this relationship was a big deal. Klay had a Wikipedia page before Megan began rapping.”
One fan summed it up perfectly: “Saying Megan made Klay famous is like saying WiFi made the internet — dude had rings, max contracts, and half the league trying to guard him before they even exchanged numbers.”
“Klay Thompson was already globally known long before any dating rumors — he’s a multiple-time NBA champion and one of the league’s most recognizable shooters with the Golden State Warriors,” another added.
One commenter drove the point home: “That is a wild take — Klay Thompson was already a 4× NBA champion, 5× All-Star, and one half of the Splash Brothers, global name long before any dating rumors.”
Jayesh Pagar Jayesh Pagar is a writer at Heavy Sports, covering the New York Knicks and other NBA teams. He brings four years of experience across digital sports media, including NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football. He covered as the Knicks beat writer for ONSI and has written for PFSN, Sporting News, and ClutchPoints. More about Jayesh Pagar
