Klay Thompson’s path back to the Warriors is still there - just barely.
For now, the reunion Golden State fans keep circling is more of a possibility than a plan, but Dallas’ roster math could change everything. The Mavericks are carrying 16 players on their main roster, and with the season approaching in October, they’ll have to clear the logjam at some point. If they can’t find a trade for Thompson, a buyout could become the only real way forward for the five-time All-Star.
That’s why a number of teams are watching closely, with the Miami Heat leading the chase for a possible Thompson buyout. Dallas, though, has reportedly been holding firm on its stance that it wants to explore trades for the veteran sharpshooter first.
The Mavericks’ roster situation makes that stance harder to maintain. They don’t appear to have obvious non-guaranteed contracts or young players they’re eager to move on from.
Morez Johnson Jr., Sergio De Larrea and Tarik Biberovic all signed standard deals after being drafted in June. Marcus Sasser came over from the Detroit Pistons this summer, and Dallas also had to match a two-year offer from the New York Knicks to keep restricted free agent Moussa Cisse.
That leaves the Mavericks with a decision they can’t avoid forever. If no trade materializes, the buyout route may be the one they have to take, even if that’s not their preferred outcome.
NBA insider Marc Stein left that door open in his Sunday night reporting, writing, "Two sources briefed on the process said this week that it remains unclear how the (Thompson) situation will play out. Dallas currently has 16 standard contracts on its books - one more than the league maximum that will be allowed as of Oct. 19 - but Thompson's fate remained undecided as of Sunday," Stein reported.
If Thompson does hit the market, Golden State still wouldn’t be sitting alone at the front of the line. Miami has been described as the strongest suitor, and the Heat can point to a clear role for him as they look for shooting around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
The Los Angeles Lakers have also been mentioned as a possible landing spot, thanks to Thompson’s ties to the area, his father’s history with the franchise, and the fact that he previously left the Warriors to join Luka Doncic in Dallas.
From the Warriors’ side, though, everything still comes back to one thing: a buyout. There’s little to no chance Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Golden State’s front office would go the trade route for Thompson and his $17.5 million expiring contract.
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