The Dallas Mavericks are leaning all the way into a rebuild-and they’re not being shy about it. After a trade deadline that saw them send Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, Dallas is clearly pivoting toward the future.
That move wasn’t just about reshuffling the roster-it was a statement. The Mavericks are embracing their youth movement, and they’re doing it with both eyes on long-term development rather than short-term wins.
Heading into the All-Star break as the 12th seed in the Western Conference, it’s clear this season hasn’t gone according to plan. Expectations were sky-high back in October, but the results have been underwhelming.
Still, there’s a silver lining. The Mavericks have a promising young core to build around: Cooper Flagg, Ryan Nembhard, Naji Marshall, Max Christie, and Dereck Lively II-who, despite being out for the season, remains a key piece of the puzzle.
Now, with the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, Dallas may not be done making moves. The front office could explore a buyout for one of its veteran leaders-an aging star who no longer fits the team’s timeline and might welcome a fresh start elsewhere.
Klay Thompson: Next Stop San Antonio?
Klay Thompson’s journey to Dallas was supposed to be the start of something special. After leaving the Warriors in 2024, he joined the Mavericks with hopes of chasing a fifth championship alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
But that dream never materialized. Instead of contending, the Mavericks unraveled, and the core Thompson thought he was joining was dismantled before he could even settle in.
To make matters worse, Golden State managed to win a playoff series without him, while Dallas stumbled in the play-in tournament. Now 36 years old, Thompson finds himself on a team that’s building for the future-without him in the picture.
Thompson is owed $17.4 million next season, and while that’s a hefty number, a buyout could make sense for both sides. If the Mavericks are serious about clearing cap space and giving their younger players more room to grow, letting Thompson walk might be the next logical step. And for Thompson, the chance to latch on with a contender-perhaps the Lakers, Pistons, or Celtics-could be worth taking a pay cut.
But don’t sleep on the San Antonio Spurs as a potential landing spot.
The Spurs have a clear need for shooting, ranking just 22nd in the league from beyond the arc. Even with some decline in his game, Thompson still brings a reliable jumper and championship experience. He wouldn’t need to be a starter-just a steady veteran presence off the bench who can knock down shots and mentor a young roster.
And let’s not forget who’s leading the charge in San Antonio: Victor Wembanyama. The 7-foot-4 phenom is already showing signs he can be the centerpiece of a future title team. Surrounding him with savvy veterans who’ve been through the wars-guys like Thompson-could be the kind of subtle move that pays off big down the line.
With Jeremy Sochan’s departure opening up a roster spot, the Spurs have the flexibility to make it happen. And while the Mavericks might not be thrilled about helping a division rival, doing right by Thompson-who’s likely headed to the Hall of Fame-could help repair some of the goodwill lost during a rocky season.
This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about optics, legacy, and setting the tone for the next chapter in Dallas.
The Mavericks are turning the page. Now the question is whether Klay Thompson gets the chance to write his final chapter somewhere he can chase one last ring.