Dallas Chasing a Splash: Klay Thompson to the Mavs?
The whispers out of Dallas are getting louder. Klay Thompson, the four-time NBA champion and one of the purest shooters the league has ever seen, is reportedly on the Mavericks' radar. It’s not just idle chatter; my sources indicate serious internal discussions about what it would take to pry him from the Golden State Warriors, or more likely, sign him outright if he hits free agency.
Real talk: Thompson to the Mavs would be a seismic move, particularly if it involves a sign-and-trade that brings in the Suns. Phoenix, always looking for disgruntled stars, could be a third-party help. But let's focus on Dallas for a minute. The idea is simple: pair another elite shooter with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Thompson, even at 34, still commands respect from beyond the arc. He shot 38.7% from three last season on 9.0 attempts per game. That's not a small number, and it certainly opens up the floor.
The Tactical Fit: Shooting, Spacing, and a Glaring Question Mark
On paper, the fit seems obvious. Dallas needs more shooting, especially from players who don't need the ball in their hands to be effective. Thompson excels at moving off screens, spotting up, and hitting contested threes. Imagine Doncic driving, drawing a double, and kicking it out to a wide-open Thompson on the wing. That's a dream scenario for any offensive coordinator.
"Adding a player of Klay's caliber, even an aging Klay, changes how defenses have to guard you," one Western Conference scout told me. "He's still a threat to drop 30 points in a quarter if he gets hot. That kind of gravity is invaluable next to Luka and Kyrie."
Here's the thing, though: Thompson isn't just a shooter. He was once an elite perimeter defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. Those days are largely behind him. After two devastating injuries – an ACL tear in the 2019 Finals and an Achilles tear in 2020 – his defensive mobility has declined significantly. The Mavs already have defensive challenges. Adding a veteran who, while smart, can be a target on defense, could be problematic. Dallas needs to be absolutely sure what version of Thompson they're getting.
His 2023-24 season saw him average 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Solid numbers, but a far cry from his peak. The question isn't whether he can still shoot; it's whether he can still contribute meaningfully on both ends of the floor for a championship contender.
Financial Hurdles and the Suns' Potential Role
This is where things get complicated. Thompson's current five-year, $190 million deal with the Warriors is expiring. He's looking for one last big contract, and while he might not get the max, he'll command significant money. The Mavericks are already operating above the salary cap, with Doncic's supermax extension kicking in and Irving's $40 million annual salary. Any significant addition means navigating the luxury tax and potentially the second apron.
A straight free-agent signing for Dallas would involve using their Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, which is roughly $12.9 million. Thompson is almost certainly looking for more than that annually. This makes a sign-and-trade scenario more plausible, especially if the Warriors are unwilling to offer him the long-term deal he desires.
And that's where the Phoenix Suns enter the picture. Phoenix is always looking to shake things up. If Golden State wants to avoid losing Thompson for nothing, they could help a sign-and-trade. Maybe the Suns send a player like Jusuf Nurkic and some draft capital to the Warriors, while Thompson goes to Dallas, and the Mavs send a package of their own to the Suns. It's convoluted, but not impossible in today's NBA scene. Phoenix needs to find a way to improve their depth and defensive versatility without gutting their core three.
Consider the trade last summer involving Bradley Beal. The Suns absorbed a massive contract, sending out Chris Paul and multiple second-round picks. This shows they aren't afraid of big swings, even if it means taking on more salary. If they could get a decent return for a player who doesn't fit their long-term plans, they might just do it.
Impact on Both Sides: A New Era for Golden State?
For Dallas, acquiring Thompson would signal a full-throttle commitment to winning now. They'd be betting on his shooting and championship pedigree to push them over the top. It's a high-risk, high-reward move, similar to how the Lakers brought in Russell Westbrook, though Thompson's shooting makes him a much more natural fit offensively. But it would undoubtedly limit their future flexibility even further.
For the Warriors, losing Thompson would be the end of an era. The 'Splash Brothers' would be no more. It would force them to completely re-evaluate their roster and identity. They'd likely pivot towards a younger, more athletic core built around Steph Curry and potentially Jonathan Kuminga. It's a painful but necessary step for a franchise that has seen its dynasty wane.
The Suns, if involved, would be looking to retool around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Beal. Moving Nurkic, for example, could free up cap space or allow them to pursue a more defensively capable big man. It's all about finding the right pieces to finally contend. They need to figure out how to maximize their superstar trio before their championship window slams shut.
Bold Prediction: Klay Thompson ultimately re-signs with the Golden State Warriors on a two-year, $50 million deal, choosing loyalty and familiarity over a slightly larger offer elsewhere, leaving Dallas to pursue other perimeter options.