Klay Thompson’s time in Dallas may be shorter than anyone expected.
After 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson made the move to the Mavericks in 2024, seeking a new chapter alongside Luka Dončić. But that vision unraveled quickly. Dallas dealt Dončić at the trade deadline last year, and now Thompson finds himself at the center of trade rumors once again - this time with his own future in question.
Thompson is still chasing history, needing just over 150 more made threes to pass Ray Allen for third on the NBA’s all-time 3-point list. That’s no small feat.
But while the milestone looms, his production this season hasn’t matched the name recognition. Through 43 games, he’s averaging a career-low 11.7 points per game, shooting just 38% from beyond the arc - a far cry from the sharpshooting standard he set in his prime.
Add in 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, and it’s clear Thompson hasn’t quite found his rhythm in Dallas.
That dip in performance has opened the door to trade talks. According to recent reports, the Mavericks are actively exploring trade options for Thompson, but so far, there haven’t been any serious takers.
His $17.5 million expiring contract makes him a more intriguing piece for the offseason, when cap flexibility becomes a bigger bargaining chip. But with the trade deadline just a week away, Dallas is weighing whether to move him now or wait for a better opportunity this summer.
One proposed trade scenario making the rounds would send Thompson and D’Angelo Russell to the Orlando Magic. In return, Dallas would receive Tyus Jones, Jonathan Isaac, and a 2027 second-round pick (via Boston). It’s the kind of deal that could help the Mavericks pivot more cleanly into their next phase - one centered around Kyrie Irving and rising rookie Cooper Flagg.
Thompson recently returned to the court after missing a game, scoring 16 points - a reminder that while he may not be the same player who once dropped 37 in a single quarter, he still has flashes of that elite shot-making ability. And let’s not forget: few players in league history have been as lethal from deep when they get hot.
Still, the question remains - is Thompson part of the Mavericks' future, or just a bridge to their next era? With the clock ticking toward the trade deadline, Dallas has a decision to make. Whether Thompson stays or goes, his next move could be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch as the league reshapes itself midseason.