Will Klay Thompson work with Dallas Mavericks? First look indicates yes - The Athletic from

Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks: A Potential Match?

Background:

Klay Thompson, the five-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, is reportedly considering his options as he enters free agency this summer. With the Warriors' recent playoff exit and Thompson's injury history, there are doubts about his long-term fit with the team.

Dallas Mavericks' Interest:

The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a potential landing spot for Thompson. The Mavericks have a young and talented core led by Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porzingis, and they are looking to add a veteran presence to help them contend for a championship.

Thompson's Fit in Dallas:

Thompson would bring a wealth of experience and shooting prowess to the Mavericks. He is one of the best shooters in NBA history, and he would provide a much-needed scoring boost to a team that has struggled to find consistent offense outside of Dončić.

Shooting Threat:

Thompson is a career 41.9% three-point shooter, and he has averaged at least 20 points per game in each of the past six seasons. His ability to stretch the floor would create space for Dončić and Porzingis to operate, and it would make the Mavericks a much more difficult team to defend.

Veteran Leadership:

Thompson is a respected veteran who has been through the wars. He knows what it takes to win, and he would be a valuable mentor to the young players on the Mavericks.

Obstacles to the Deal:

There are some obstacles to a potential Thompson-Mavericks deal. The Mavericks are already paying Dončić and Porzingis max contracts, and they may not have the cap space to sign Thompson outright.

Salary Cap:

The Mavericks would likely have to trade some of their current players to create the necessary cap space to sign Thompson. This could be a challenge, as the Mavericks have a number of young players that they are high on.

Injury Concerns:

Thompson has also been plagued by injuries in recent years. He missed the entire 2019-20 season with a torn ACL, and he played in just 38 games during the 2020-21 season due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Conclusion:

A potential Klay Thompson-Dallas Mavericks deal would be a major move that could reshape the balance of power in the Western Conference. Thompson would bring a wealth of experience and shooting prowess to the Mavericks, and he would be a valuable asset to a team that is looking to contend for a championship.