Should the Mavericks Pursue Klay Thompson in a Free Agency Sign & Trade?
If the Golden State Warriors fail to agree on a new contract with Klay Thompson this summer, the Dallas Mavericks should consider a sign-and-trade deal, depending on the cost.
The Warriors may no longer be the dominant dynasty they once were, but their roster still includes players with valuable championship experience that could benefit rising teams.
Klay Thompson, on an expiring $43.2 million contract, is not the superstar he once was alongside Stephen Curry, primarily due to back-to-back knee and Achilles injuries. However, he has proven he can still score effectively. Over his last 14 games, in which the Warriors went 9-5, Thompson has averaged 18.3 points, shooting 45.1% from the field, 41.1% on 8.9 three-point attempts, and 91.3% from the free-throw line. The 34-year-old four-time champion reportedly declined a two-year, $48 million extension from the Warriors last summer. If no new agreement is reached, Thompson should explore teams that can best utilize his skills.
The Orlando Magic are rumored to be interested in Thompson this offseason, but the Dallas Mavericks could be a great fit. Thompson’s elite catch-and-shoot ability would complement Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving perfectly. Additionally, the Mavericks have the necessary contracts to offer in a sign-and-trade, potentially securing Thompson the contract he desires. While overpaying for an aging star is not ideal, Thompson’s style of play suggests he could remain productive for several more years.
The Mavericks, despite showing title contender potential after acquiring Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline, need more consistency in the role played by Tim Hardaway Jr. Thompson could be the perfect player to fill that gap.
With new majority owners, the Adelson family, who are financially capable and willing to invest in building a championship contender, the Mavericks could make a significant move. Kyrie Irving has hinted at interesting free-agency opportunities in the near future, making it worth watching Dallas’ next steps.
Currently, the Mavericks aim to build consistency and pursue a deep playoff run with their existing roster. They are 5-0 with Gafford starting at center, and Doncic is on a historic triple-double streak as they prepare to face the Warriors at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night. With Curry out due to an ankle injury, the Mavericks will get an extended look at Thompson in this matchup.
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