Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 aiming to pursue a fifth NBA championship, but major team shifts have altered that path. With Luka Doncic no longer part of the roster, Anthony Davis traded after just 29 games, and Kyrie Irving still rehabilitating from knee surgery, the Mavericks face an uncertain future. These changes have left the team struggling near the lower end of the standings with a 19-35 record, far from their NBA Finals appearance just before Thompson’s arrival.
Mavericks Focus on Youth and Long-Term Growth
Dallas is increasingly centered on developing young talents, notably Cooper Flagg, as they rebuild for future success. This new direction emphasizes acquiring younger players, which places veterans like Thompson in a precarious position. Analyst Brett Siegel from ClutchPoints notes that this shift reduces Thompson’s fit within the team’s timeline as he enters the final year of his contract.
Potential Trade or Buyout Discussions for Thompson
Given the evolving roster and Thompson’s injury history, it is expected he may move on before next season. Despite remaining one of the NBA’s most lethal shooters and contributing as a valuable bench player, his production has decreased. Thompson’s averages are career lows with 11.6 points, shooting 38.8% from the field, along with 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 22.1 minutes per game.
Brett Siegel elaborated on the scenario:
“Other than (Daniel) Gafford, the one big name that we should try to keep an eye on, whether it’s a buyout in the offseason or a potential trade, is Klay Thompson,”
said Siegel on Clutch Scoops.
“Because he’s gonna be in the final year of his contract, he doesn’t seem to fit their timeline anymore, and he wants to be on a team that’s gonna be contending for a championship. So I would keep an eye on Klay Thompson, what’s gonna happen with him around the time of the draft.”
Significance of Thompson’s Possible Departure
The likelihood of Thompson joining another franchise this summer signals a turning point for the Mavericks, as they prioritize a youth movement and championship windows more aligned with rising stars like Flagg. For Thompson, finding a contender aligns with his personal goals and career stage. The outcome of draft-related trade talks and buyout possibilities will be critical in shaping both his future and Dallas’s rebuild.
. @TomerAzarly and @BrettSiegelNBA are live to talk NBA All-Star, tanking problems + some early NBA Offseason intel!https://t.co/duIKN4TFxL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2026
