Klay Thompson Is Someone The Mavericks Are Very Interested In Signing
The Dallas Mavericks are a serious candidate to sign Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson as NBA free agency draws near. According to recent rumors from Marc Stein, there may be a change in the NBA landscape as Thompson and the Mavericks show reciprocal interest in one another.
“The prospect of Klay Thompson leaving the only team he has ever known is suddenly looking more and more like an inevitability as NBA free agency draws near.”
“The latest evidence of that: Amid a growing belief leaguewide that Thompson’s relationship with the Golden State Warriors is irretrievable, strong mutual interest between Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks is expected when free agency opens Sunday evening.”
There’s a growing perception, according to Stein, that Thompson’s relationship with the Warriors is irreversibly damaged. The five-time NBA All-Star and one of the greatest three-point shooters in league history, Thompson, has been linked to this franchise his whole career, which has stoked rumors that he may decide to depart.
The Mavericks are in the process of determining how to get Thompson to Dallas. They recently released $12 million in cap space by trading Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Quentin Grimes. This calculated action puts Dallas in a position to sign Thompson through a sign-and-trade if Golden State agrees to work with them.
For Thompson, who shot 38.7% from three-point range and averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game the previous season, the Mavericks present an exciting new chapter.
Even though Thompson has battled ailments recently, such as an Achilles tendon tear and an ACL tear, he is still a vital player because of his excellent three-point shooting. His ability to spread the floor would create more driving lanes and open shots, which would be beneficial for Dallas’ elite players Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks front office, which includes head coach Jason Kidd and general manager Nico Harrison, has solid ties throughout the league, which may make Thompson’s move easier. Irving and Thompson are also contracted to the ANTA shoe line, which suggests a possible friendship that might improve team dynamics.
The Mavericks have some leeway despite their precarious cap situation as talks get underway formally on Sunday night. They may arrange a sign-and-trade for Thompson and use the Mid-Level Exception for Derrick Jones Jr. In the event that a sign-and-trade is undertaken, possible deals might contain players such as Josh Green and Maxi Kleber, which would enable the Mavericks to acquire Thompson without going over the salary ceiling.
If Thompson does indeed leave the Warriors, that would be a big deal. Since Golden State hasn’t reportedly offered Thompson an extension, their failing relationship may force him to look for other options. Acquiring Thompson would be a bold move for Dallas, demonstrating their dedication to assembling a championship-contending roster around Irving and Doncic.
All eyes will be on the Mavericks as things progress and see how they manage their cap space and roster in order to perhaps add one of the most well-known shooters in the NBA. This change may completely alter the chemistry and goals of the team for the next campaign.
If Klay Thompson leaves the Warriors, it might be a mistake.
The Warriors and Klay Thompson are in a terrible predicament; sources suggest that the two parties are at odds following recent contract talks. Klay has not yet accepted a two-year, $48 million contract offer from the Warriors. Thompson is allegedly now evaluating offers from different organizations. However, the issue still stands: Given the comparable cash offers, why would Thompson leave the Warriors?
The Warriors have showed Thompson a great deal of loyalty since he joined the team at the beginning of his career. They supported him through hard times, giving him almost $68 million over the two seasons he was hurt. In professional sports, where financial decisions frequently favor current success over past loyalty, this kind of support is uncommon.
Furthermore, the Warriors have continuously shown that they are dedicated to winning, even at significant financial expense. Despite finishing in 10th place and missing the playoffs, they had the biggest salary in the NBA this season ($205 million), with an astounding luxury tax bill of over $176 million.
They also paid high luxury taxes in the preceding seasons: $170 million during their 2022 championship run, and $163 million when they were eliminated in the second round.
The Warriors’ financial commitment to staying a competitive team is demonstrated by this. Their success has largely been attributed to Thompson, and the team’s willingness to pay hefty luxury taxes shows how much they regard him.
Given all the Warriors have done for him and what he represents to the club, Thompson might be making a big mistake if he decides to leave the team. It would be prudent for him to take into account the special support and loyalty he has had with the Warriors in the event that he receives a comparable contract offer from another organization.
Sometimes, especially when leaving a team that has demonstrated unmatched commitment to his career and well-being, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Thompson may want to look at other options if there is a significant disparity in the proposals’ prices. But the likelihood of landing a big contract somewhere else seems remote. So, it may be better for Thompson’s career and legacy to remain with the Warriors, where he is highly respected and valued.
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