With the NBA trade deadline just under two weeks away, the Dallas Mavericks are staring down a tough-but potentially crucial-decision. Klay Thompson has been on a tear lately, reminding everyone why he's a four-time NBA champion and one of the league's most respected shooters. But as the Mavs look to navigate future cap constraints and build long-term flexibility, Thompson’s recent surge might be the perfect window to make a move.
Let’s start with the financial reality. The Mavericks are walking a tightrope when it comes to the league’s new second apron rules, and avoiding that threshold could shape a lot of what happens between now and the deadline. Trading Thompson for expiring contracts would go a long way in helping Dallas dodge that financial penalty, while also potentially bringing in some valuable draft capital.
And in today’s NBA, draft capital is gold. Whether it’s a late first-rounder or a couple of second-round picks, those assets can be the difference between standing pat and making a splash down the line. Thompson’s shooting and veteran presence have been a boost to Dallas this season, but if he can fetch the kind of return that sets the team up for future success, the front office has to consider it.
Now, let’s talk about the basketball side of it. Thompson has been red-hot in January, averaging 13.8 points per game while knocking down nearly 45 percent of his threes. That kind of efficiency from deep is exactly what playoff teams covet-especially those looking to bolster their bench scoring or add another shooter to space the floor in crunch time.
This recent run hasn’t just helped the Mavericks rack up wins-it’s also raised Thompson’s stock at the perfect time. He’s 35, on the second year of a three-year, $50 million deal, and still showing flashes of the two-way impact that made him a household name in Golden State. Teams in the playoff hunt know what he brings: shooting, experience, and the kind of calm under pressure that only comes from years of deep postseason runs.
But here's the flip side: Thompson’s value likely won’t be higher than it is right now. As the league’s trade market heats up and teams get more aggressive in their search for reliable shooting, Dallas has an opportunity to capitalize. Even if the return is mostly expiring deals, the right trade could include a pick or two that helps the Mavericks retool around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving for the long haul.
The Mavericks aren’t in a rebuild-they’re trying to contend. But that doesn’t mean they can ignore the long game.
Thompson’s contract, age, and recent play all point to a sell-high moment. It’s not an easy call-he’s been a key part of their recent success-but smart teams know when to make tough decisions.
And this might be one of those moments.
Over the next 13 days, Dallas has to weigh what Thompson means to this team right now against what his trade value could mean for the future. If a deal presents itself that brings back draft assets and clears the books for next offseason, the Mavericks have to be ready to pull the trigger.
Because as good as Thompson has been, his current stretch might be doing more than just helping the Mavericks win-it might be giving them the leverage they need to shape the next phase of their roster.