Klay Thompson’s move to Dallas was supposed to be a fresh chapter - a shot at contention with a Mavericks team that looked ready to make noise in the West. But less than two years later, that vision has unraveled. The Mavericks have shifted into full rebuild mode, and Thompson, a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, suddenly finds himself in unfamiliar territory: stuck on a young, developing roster centered around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.
Now, the NBA rumor mill is heating up with whispers of a potential buyout - the kind of move that could send shockwaves through the league. While nothing materialized for Thompson at the trade deadline, despite his name surfacing in various discussions, the idea of a buyout is starting to gain traction. And if it happens, it could open the door for a playoff-bound team to make a serious upgrade on the wing.
One potential landing spot? The San Antonio Spurs.
Currently sitting second in the West, the Spurs are in the bottom 10 in the league in three-point shooting - a glaring weakness for a team with championship aspirations. Thompson, even at 35, still brings one of the most respected jumpers in the game, shooting 37.6% from deep this season while averaging 11.6 points per game after adjusting to a bench role.
The fit makes sense. The Spurs have the defense, the size, and the youth.
What they lack is a veteran shooter who can stretch the floor and deliver in big moments. Thompson could be that missing piece - a steady hand in the postseason, someone who’s been through the wars and knows what it takes to win.
Of course, the logistics are tricky. Thompson is under contract for $17.5 million next season, and buyouts for non-expiring deals are rare.
But in the NBA, where stars switch teams midseason and rebuilds can happen overnight, nothing is off the table. If Thompson is willing to leave money on the table for a shot at another ring, the Spurs - or any contender in need of shooting and experience - would be foolish not to pick up the phone.
For Golden State fans holding out hope of a reunion, the cap math just doesn’t work. Because Thompson’s salary exceeds the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, the Warriors - who are operating above the first apron - are prohibited from bringing him back under current CBA rules. So even if a buyout happens, a return to the Bay isn’t in the cards right now.
That reality stings. Thompson is synonymous with the Warriors dynasty.
Seeing him in a third uniform would be a tough pill to swallow for Dub Nation. But it’s just as difficult to watch him on a Mavericks team that’s clearly pivoted away from contending.
Still, this is Klay Thompson we’re talking about. He’s battled back from two devastating injuries, reinvented his role, and found a way to contribute. He’s not the 20-point-per-game flamethrower from the peak Warriors years, but he’s still a guy who can swing a playoff game with one hot quarter.
If the Mavericks and Thompson do part ways, don’t be surprised if a contender pounces. And if that happens, the playoff picture in the West just got a lot more interesting.