Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson has been among the many players being mentioned in trade rumors around the league lately. With specific reference to the Mavericks, who are currently placed 11th in the Western Conference standings with a 9-16 record, a recent update by ESPN’s Shams Charania suggests that several players could be on the trade block.
With the primary trade spotlight falling upon Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson has also been bracing himself for a possible trade. On this note, Thompson recently stated that he would prefer joining a contender in the event of an eventual trade.
At 35, Klay Thompson isn’t the impact player he used to be during his prime. However, since embracing a role off the bench, the veteran guard has experienced a resurgence in performance.
While turning back the clock this season, Thompson is averaging 12.4 points and 2.0 rebounds per game on 37.7% shooting from beyond the arc off the bench. Given that his current production as a rotation piece and his championship pedigree could make him a high-value pickup, we explore five trade ideas to help Thompson join a contender.
Detroit Pistons
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jaden Ivey, Javonte Green, 2027 second-round pick (BKN or DAL)
For the Mavericks, trading Thompson would become part of their rebuild plan. By trading the veteran guard to the Detroit Pistons, the Mavs could acquire a talented young guard in Jaden Ivey to pair with Cooper Flagg, a reliable veteran in Javonte Green, and a future second-round pick.
With Ivey having fallen out of the Pistons’ rotation, Detroit may not see parting with the guard as much of a loss. In this regard, acquiring a veteran with championship experience may be viewed as a bargain.
Thompson’s style of play blends quite well with the Pistons’. Given that the team runs a traditional half-court offense, Thompson would have many opportunities to thrive. Considering that he would be paired with a gifted playmaker such as Cade Cunningham, the four-time champion would also find himself in an ideal position to contribute.
The Pistons are currently the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference with a 19-5 record. Although they haven’t been as threatening since their winning streak snapped, they remain among the best teams in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, 2032 second-round pick
The Los Angeles Lakers have been among the several teams linked with Klay Thompson this year. While the notion of acquiring Thompson is intriguing, there hasn’t been much noise on this front.
For the Mavericks, this trade scenario would help them add depth to their backcourt. While Gabe Vincent‘s addition solidifies their point guard depth, Dalton Knecht‘s addition serves to bolster their scoring.
Although both have been underwhelming this season with the Lakers, there is some optimism that a change of scenery could help them improve their performance. Thus, adding a second-round pick may help sweeten the deal for Dallas.
Meanwhile, Thompson’s addition could be quite beneficial for Los Angeles. Given that the Lakers are among the worst three-point teams in the league (17th in the NBA), acquiring the four-time champion could help address this issue.
By adding Thompson to the rotation, the Lakers provide their superstar, Luka Doncic, with another passing outlet. With another arrow in the quiver, the Lakers’ offense could become far more lethal.
Boston Celtics
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, 2031 second-round pick (HOU)
For the Mavericks, this trade wouldn’t have much value outside of the addition of a second-round pick. While both Sam Hauser and Baylor Scheierman could emerge as solid contributors during games, it would be unlikely for them to earn valuable minutes in the rotation.
This deal primarily caters to the Boston Celtics, who have been a surprisingly competitive team early in the campaign. Despite seeing Jayson Tatum sidelined for a prolonged period, the Celtics have shown resilience, placing third in the East with a 15-9 record.
For the Celtics, acquiring Thompson could be like insurance. Having a reliable perimeter threat from the bench perfectly aligns with the team, especially considering how much they integrate three-point shooting into their offensive schemes.
Although Klay Thompson isn’t the player he used to be, he remains a threat from three-point range. With players such as Jaylen Brown operating in the midrange, the veteran guard would have enough opportunities to contribute.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Proposed Trade Details
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Max Strus
This trade scenario could prove to be mutually beneficial. By essentially swapping two role players, both franchises may find themselves becoming slightly more competitive.
For the Mavericks, acquiring Max Strus could be viewed favorably. Although the forward remains sidelined with a foot injury, he has positioned himself as a reliable wing with two-way potential. Considering that he could be a versatile addition to the roster, the Mavs may see merit in making this deal.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers could benefit from acquiring a veteran with championship experience. Although they possess one of the most impressive rosters in the NBA, they currently find themselves sitting in seventh place in the East with a 14-11 record.
Klay Thompson’s acquisition could not only add depth to Cleveland’s roster but would also make the unit more resilient. Given that the Cavs already feature a talented core, adding a reliable veteran could help them turn their season around and solidify their status as a contender.
Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Terry Rozier, 2026 second-round pick (BKN)
This trade idea caters to Klay Thompson’s goal of joining a contender. However, considering the assets at the Miami Heat‘s disposal, the Mavericks may still see some merit in doing this deal.
Since Dallas will essentially be undergoing a rebuild, this trade would be intriguing. With the acquisition of Terry Rozier‘s $26.6 million expiring contracts, the Mavs would be adding significant cap flexibility for the following offseason. When also considering the addition of the second-round pick, the Mavs would only build upon their depleted draft reserves.
For the Heat, acquiring Thompson, along with Caleb Martin, could have a lot of upside.
Miami continues to be a team that embodies hustle and grind. In this regard, having a former player like Martin back could be useful.
Although Thompson may not shine in terms of hustle, his perimeter shooting and experience could prove highly worthwhile, especially as the team emerges as a dark horse in the East. By adding depth to their backcourt, Miami could become a greater threat in the East.
The Challenges With Trading Klay Thompson
While Klay Thompson could still be a strong asset for teams around the league, trading him poses some challenges.
Thompson is currently on a $16.6 million contract with two years left on his deal. Considering how most title-contending teams around the league are structured, finding trades for Thompson proves to be a challenge, since most of them feature top-heavy rosters.
When also factoring in Thompson’s age (35), teams may be hesitant to part with younger players, who boast more developmental upside.
While the Pistons and the Lakers may emerge as potential landing spots, there are very few contenders who may be considered likely trade destinations. In this regard, the Mavs may struggle to find trades that align with Thompson’s wishes.
