Bold truth: even as the Dallas Mavericks show improvement, they’re shaping up as sellers at the trade deadline, and Klay Thompson sits high on the list of appealing targets poised for market discussion.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Dallas remains open to exploring the trade landscape for Thompson as they chase a title-contending run later in his career.
Back in the summer of 2024, Thompson faced a decision between the Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He chose a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski noting that the move was propelled by the lure of contending for a fifth championship after Dallas’ remarkable late-season push to the Finals.
Yet circumstances shifted quickly. The pivotal factor behind Dallas’ postseason surge last year was Luka Dončić, who was traded to the Lakers in February, altering the team’s dynamic. Dallas then missed the playoffs and currently sits at a 9-16 start this season. While recent results show improvement—winning four of the last five games—the Mavericks remain far from the elite tier in the West, lagging behind teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets.
Thompson started the season slowly but has found his footing recently. He’s shooting 39.8 percent from deep on 9.1 attempts per game across 13 games since November 12.
Financial terms for Thompson remain manageable for a potential deal: $16.7 million this season and $17.5 million for 2025-26. Even if Dallas maintains momentum into February 5, 2025, a move could be justified. At 35, Thompson doesn’t align perfectly with Dallas’ long-term timeline, which centers on Cooper Flagg as the franchise’s future centerpiece.
In-season shooting help is always in demand, which preserves Thompson’s value for a Mavericks team evaluating its options as the deadline approaches.
