Mavericks reportedly 'expected to explore' Klay Thompson's trade market; would he welcome a Warriors reunion?
The experiment in Dallas appears to be reaching its expiration date. Less than 18 months after Klay Thompson signed a three-year deal with the Mavericks in hopes of chasing a fifth ring, the franchise is reportedly pivoting toward a rebuild. With the team sitting at a disappointing 10-17 and the roster in flux following the blockbuster departure of Luka Dončić last season and Kyrie Irving’s season-ending injury, league sources indicate that Dallas is ready to explore the trade market for the veteran sharpshooter.
According to a report from ESPN, the Mavericks are expected to assess Thompson’s trade value in the coming weeks ahead of the February deadline. The 35-year-old guard, who is averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game, reportedly prefers to be moved to a contender—a status Dallas can no longer claim. The vision of Thompson spacing the floor for a superstar-laden offense has dissolved into a bleak reality of lottery contention, prompting the front office to see what assets they can recoup for the final year of his contract.
Naturally, the availability of the future Hall of Famer has reignited whispers of a potential return to the Golden State Warriors. While the breakup in 2024 was layered with tension regarding his contract and role, the bond between Thompson and Stephen Curry remains unbreakable. When asked about the possibility of a reunion, Curry didn’t mince words, telling reporters that while it seems like a "distant reality," he would immediately call Thompson to say "We want you back" if the front office opened that door.
However, a sentimental reunion faces significant logistical hurdles. Thompson is owed roughly $17.5 million next season, a figure that complicates the cap sheet for a Warriors team—or any contender—operating within the constraints of the second apron. Furthermore, Golden State would need to weigh nostalgia against on-court production, as Thompson’s defensive mobility and shooting consistency have dipped since his departure. For now, the Mavericks are officially open for business, and one of the league’s most iconic shooters is once again searching for a home where he can compete for a title.
According to a report from ESPN, the Mavericks are expected to assess Thompson’s trade value in the coming weeks ahead of the February deadline. The 35-year-old guard, who is averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game, reportedly prefers to be moved to a contender—a status Dallas can no longer claim. The vision of Thompson spacing the floor for a superstar-laden offense has dissolved into a bleak reality of lottery contention, prompting the front office to see what assets they can recoup for the final year of his contract.
Naturally, the availability of the future Hall of Famer has reignited whispers of a potential return to the Golden State Warriors. While the breakup in 2024 was layered with tension regarding his contract and role, the bond between Thompson and Stephen Curry remains unbreakable. When asked about the possibility of a reunion, Curry didn’t mince words, telling reporters that while it seems like a "distant reality," he would immediately call Thompson to say "We want you back" if the front office opened that door.
However, a sentimental reunion faces significant logistical hurdles. Thompson is owed roughly $17.5 million next season, a figure that complicates the cap sheet for a Warriors team—or any contender—operating within the constraints of the second apron. Furthermore, Golden State would need to weigh nostalgia against on-court production, as Thompson’s defensive mobility and shooting consistency have dipped since his departure. For now, the Mavericks are officially open for business, and one of the league’s most iconic shooters is once again searching for a home where he can compete for a title.
