Klay Thompson’s name has been floating around trade rumors for months now, but if you’ve been watching the Dallas Mavericks lately, it’s clear: they’d be wise to keep him right where he is.
Yes, Thompson has made it known he wants to compete for another title - and at 35, with four rings already in the bag, you can’t blame him. But unless the Mavericks are offered a can’t-miss deal, moving him now would be a mistake. He’s playing his best basketball since arriving in Dallas, and it’s coming at a time when the Mavs desperately need it.
Let’s talk about Dallas’ 3-point shooting - or, more accurately, the lack of it for most of the season. The Mavericks have ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point attempts, sitting 26th overall.
But something has shifted since January 7. Over that stretch, they’ve jumped to 11th in attempts per game, and more importantly, they’re hitting them - 37.6% from deep, up from their season average of 34.1%.
A huge part of that turnaround? Klay Thompson.
He’s been scorching hot from beyond the arc over the last six games, averaging 18 points while shooting a blistering 49.1% from three on 9.5 attempts per night. That’s vintage Klay - the kind of shooting that doesn’t just stretch defenses, it breaks them. His presence alone is opening up the floor, and that off-ball gravity has been a game-changer, especially for the second unit.
Now, there is a case to be made for trading him. Thompson’s value is climbing again after a slow start, and with Dallas building around Cooper Flagg, the long-term timeline doesn’t exactly align with a soon-to-be 36-year-old veteran. The Mavericks could look to cash in while his stock is high.
But here’s the thing: Dallas needs to be good next season.
They don’t own their 2026 first-round pick, so the window for a full-on rebuild is closing fast. This season might be about lottery odds, but come next fall, it’s go time.
Kyrie Irving is expected to be healthy, Flagg will be another year wiser, and this roster will need proven contributors to make a real playoff push. Thompson fits that mold - and then some.
He’s embraced a new role in Dallas, something that wasn’t always the case during his final years in Golden State. Back then, coming off the bench was a sore spot.
Now? He’s thriving in it.
His leadership, shooting, and willingness to adapt have brought a sense of stability to the Mavericks’ rotation - and he’s clearly enjoying the ride.
“It’s been great, honestly,” Thompson said last week. “Year 15, playing great minutes in the NBA in a great city, and I’ve been enjoying every second. I love the game, and I love being healthy enough to be out there so much, it’s a true blessing.”
That’s not just a veteran going through the motions. That’s a future Hall of Famer who still has gas in the tank and something to prove.
The Mavericks have won three of their last four, and while this season may not end with a deep playoff run, the foundation is being laid. Thompson’s resurgence is more than just a hot streak - it’s a reminder of what he still brings to a team with postseason aspirations.
If Dallas is serious about turning the corner next year, they’d do well to keep No. 11 in the fold. Because when Klay gets cooking, he’s still one of the most dangerous shooters in the game - and that’s the kind of weapon you don’t give away lightly.