Klay Thompson’s future with the Dallas Mavericks remains one of the more intriguing storylines of the NBA offseason. While buyout talks continue to grow, the latest update from NBA insider Marc Stein suggests that the situation is still some way off.
Speaking on the BR Daily show, Stein explained the Mavericks are looking to find a trade partner for Klay Thompson and are considering a buyout as the last option.
“To this point, as much as has been relayed to me, the Mavs’ preference would be a trade. I think it’s still early enough in the summer that if you’re the Mavs, you would exhaust those options first, but there’s stuff we have to keep an eye on.”
That approach makes complete sense from the Mavericks’ point of view.
Thompson is entering the final year of his contract, where he will make $17.4 million next season. He is still a valuable veteran shooter around the league. While he is no longer the two-way force that he once was with the Golden State Warriors, there are plenty of contenders who would want to take a chance on him.
Several teams have already surfaced in trade rumors. The Warriors have been linked with a reunion that would bring Klay back for a final chapter. The Miami Heat are also rumored to be a destination as they look to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo with shooters. Even the Denver Nuggets have been linked in a salary-shedding move.
Although his production has declined, he remains one of the NBA’s most respected three-point shooters. Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range. These numbers don’t represent a vintage Klay, but they are still respectable for a player at this stage.
After finishing 26-56 and missing the playoffs, the Mavericks are focused on getting younger and building the roster around Cooper Flagg. And Thompson, who turns 37 next season, does not fit that timeline. Moving his expiring contract for younger talent or draft picks could help the Mavericks long-term.
And that’s why a trade remains the first option.
A buyout only makes sense when the Mavericks fail to find a trade. As Stein noted, it’s still early in the offseason, and teams are still finalizing their rosters. The Mavericks will likely have new opportunities to move Thompson in the coming days.
From Thompson’s perspective, patience is the best approach. A trade to a contender will allow his full salary to remain intact.
Marc Stein’s update pours water on buyout rumors for now. The Mavericks haven’t closed that door fully, but they want to explore every avenue before opening it again. And given Klay’s experience, shooting, and expiring contract, there is a good chance that another team will make an offer that would be hard to refuse.
