Dallas, Texas – March 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball ,
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Veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson is set to leave the Golden State Warriors in free agency. The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a potential destination for the four-time NBA champion, and the two sides will talk about the possibility of Thompson joining Dallas during the free agency negotiation period, Brad Turner said. Los Angeles Times Report.
Thompson signing with the Mavericks would give the club a potent threat to play alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. According to Marc Stein, “There is a strong mutual interest between Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks.” But acquiring Thompson would be more challenging than simply offering him a contract this summer.
Thompson, 34, is an unrestricted free agent. He is expected to earn a salary in the $13 million range next season. Dallas could reach that number by giving him his full $12.9 million mid-level exception. However, doing so could prevent them from signing one of their top free agents.
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison made it clear that re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. is a priority. Jones established himself as an integral part of the starting lineup, and his athleticism and energy were crucial during Dallas’ run to the Finals.
When the Mavericks traded Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons for Quinton Grimes, it gave the team some financial flexibility, freeing up significant cap space. This allowed Dallas to use most, if not all, of their MLE to re-sign Jones.
With the MLE most likely tied up, a sign-and-trade becomes a viable option for Thompson. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Warriors are willing to facilitate such a deal. Not only would it help ensure he lands at a desirable destination, but Golden State would also receive some compensation for the five-time NBA All-Star’s departure.
Given his salary, Josh Green is likely to be included in any sign-and-trade Dallas makes with Golden State. The 23-year-old, four-year veteran signed a three-year, $41 million rookie contract extension last October and will earn $12.6 million next season. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Dallas could offer up more than just Green to make this deal even better. Despite sending three second-round draft picks in the trade with the Pistons, the Mavericks still have first-round picks available in 2025, 2026, 2028 and 2030. Dallas’ first-round pick in 2027 is protected in the top-two; otherwise, it goes to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Mavericks also have a $4.9 million trade exception. However, they must use it before it expires on July 8.
Klay Thompson presents an attractive target for the Mavericks looking to improve the team’s shooting after making it to the NBA Finals. However, bringing him to Dallas would require mutual interest and some financial ingenuity.
