Klay Thompson Nearing History, But Trade Rumors Swirl as Mavericks Eye Future
Klay Thompson is on the brink of etching his name even deeper into NBA history. The veteran sharpshooter needs just over 150 three-pointers to leap past Ray Allen and claim the third spot on the league’s all-time 3-point list. That’s no small feat-it’s a testament to the kind of elite shooting Thompson has brought to the floor for over a decade.
But while the milestone looms large, the present-day reality in Dallas is far less celebratory.
This season has been a tough one for Thompson. His shooting numbers-both from the field and beyond the arc-are at career lows.
It's the kind of dip that’s hard to ignore, especially for a player whose value has long been tied to his efficiency and ability to stretch the floor. That decline has opened the door to trade talks, and according to reports, the Mavericks are actively exploring their options.
The problem? So far, the market hasn’t exactly responded with enthusiasm.
Despite Thompson’s pedigree and playoff experience, Dallas has struggled to generate serious interest. His $17.5 million expiring contract makes him a logical trade piece-especially for teams looking to clear cap space or make a short-term playoff push-but his current form has made potential suitors hesitant to pull the trigger.
It’s a far cry from the hopes that surrounded his arrival in Dallas in 2024. After 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson made the move to the Mavericks in search of a new chapter, one that initially included playing alongside Luka Dončić.
But that plan unraveled quickly. Luka was traded at the February deadline last season, leaving Thompson in a very different situation than the one he signed up for.
Now, with the Mavericks shifting their focus toward building around Kyrie Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg, Thompson’s role in the franchise’s future is uncertain at best.
There’s even buzz around a potential return to Golden State-something that would’ve sounded far-fetched a year ago, but now feels like a plausible full-circle moment if the stars align.
One proposed trade scenario making the rounds involves Dallas sending Thompson and D’Angelo Russell to the Orlando Magic. In return, the Mavericks would receive Tyus Jones, Jonathan Isaac, and a 2027 second-round pick (via Boston from Orlando). It’s the kind of deal that would give Dallas a mix of young talent and defensive versatility while allowing Orlando to add veteran scoring and experience.
Thompson, for his part, is still suiting up and competing. After missing a game, he returned to the court on Thursday and dropped 16 points. Through 43 games this season, he’s averaging 11.7 points per game-his lowest mark since his rookie year-on 38% shooting from three, along with 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
With the trade deadline just a week away, the clock is ticking. Dallas has decisions to make-not just about Thompson, but about the direction of the franchise as a whole. They’re clearly positioning themselves for the future, and that means tough choices are on the table.
Whether Thompson stays put through the deadline or finds himself in a new uniform, one thing’s certain: he’s still chasing history, even as his current chapter remains unfinished.