The Detroit Pistons have quietly assembled one of the more intriguing young rosters in the Eastern Conference-athletic, defensively sound, and loaded with ball-handlers. But as the NBA trade deadline looms, one glaring issue still hangs over this group: shooting.
More specifically, consistent, high-level floor spacing. And that’s where Klay Thompson’s name starts to make a lot of sense.
The veteran sharpshooter, currently with the Dallas Mavericks, has surfaced in trade talks, and for a Pistons team looking to elevate from promising to playoff-ready, his skill set could be exactly what they need.
Why Klay Thompson Fits the Pistons’ Puzzle
Let’s start with the obvious: the Pistons need shooting. While Duncan Robinson has provided some perimeter punch, Detroit lacks another true off-ball threat who can warp defenses with his movement and gravity. Klay Thompson still checks that box-and then some.
Thompson is quietly putting together a bounce-back season in Dallas, averaging 7.7 three-point attempts in just over 25 minutes per game and knocking them down at a 38.3% clip. That’s not just solid-it’s elite volume and efficiency, especially for a player no longer in a primary scoring role.
What makes Thompson even more appealing is how his game fits into Detroit’s offensive structure. Think about how the Pistons utilize Duncan Robinson: coming off screens, relocating in transition, and even setting picks to create mismatches.
Thompson can do all of that, and arguably at a higher level. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective, and his presence alone stretches the floor, opening up driving lanes for Detroit’s young guards and bigs.
At 35, Thompson isn’t the same two-way force he was during his peak with Golden State, but he doesn’t need to be. What he brings-veteran savvy, off-ball movement, and playoff-tested shot-making-could be the missing ingredient for a Pistons team that’s already built a strong foundation.
What’s Going on in Dallas?
From the Mavericks' perspective, Thompson is part of a broader conversation. Dallas is reportedly exploring its options with several veterans as it weighs short-term competitiveness against long-term flexibility. Alongside Thompson, names like Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and D’Angelo Russell have been floated as potential trade pieces.
Thompson’s recent play has only increased his value. He’s coming off a string of efficient performances, including a 14-point, five-rebound outing in just 21 minutes against the Knicks. That followed back-to-back strong games against Utah, where he dropped 26 and 23 points, respectively.
Over his last seven games, Thompson has averaged 17.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 rebounds while shooting a scorching 50% from beyond the arc. That’s a significant uptick from his season averages of 12.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists-proof that he’s finding rhythm at just the right time.
Beyond the numbers, Thompson’s impact runs deeper. He’s been a steadying presence for rookie Cooper Flagg and a reliable locker room voice for a Mavericks team still figuring out its identity. That kind of leadership doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it matters-especially for teams with postseason aspirations.
The Contract Complication
Of course, there’s always a wrinkle-and in this case, it’s financial. Thompson is owed roughly $17.5 million next season as part of a three-year, $50 million deal. That number could give teams some pause, particularly those already navigating tight cap situations.
As one Eastern Conference executive put it, “Klay is going to make like $17.5 million next season. That’s going to give teams pause.
I still think he can help a contender. It’s more about the money than impact.”
That’s the balance teams like Detroit will have to weigh. Is the immediate upgrade in floor spacing and veteran presence worth the cap hit? For a franchise that’s been stockpiling young talent and draft capital, the answer might be yes-especially if they believe Thompson could be the piece that helps them take the next step.
What’s Next?
With the trade deadline inching closer, decisions are coming fast. For Dallas, it’s about whether to lean into a retool or stay the course with their veterans. For Detroit, it’s a question of how aggressive they want to be in chasing a playoff spot-and whether Thompson’s shooting is the kind of swing skill that can elevate them from good to dangerous.
One thing’s clear: Klay Thompson may not be the player he once was, but he still brings something rare and valuable to the table. And for a Pistons team in need of just that, the fit feels more than just hypothetical-it feels timely.