The Dallas Mavericks’ Season Challenges
The Dallas Mavericks, having experienced a challenging beginning to the NBA season of 2025-26, are now gearing up for strategic decisions as the trade deadline approaches in February. One significant consideration is the future of Klay Thompson, the accomplished swingman who is in the final year of a contract signed with Dallas in 2024. Sources indicate that Thompson is keen on finding a competitive team for the remainder of his deal, which carries a $17 million price tag for the upcoming season, potentially complicating trade negotiations.
Klay Thompson’s Transition and Current Struggles
Thompson’s current outlook reflects the dramatic shift in circumstances since he made the move from the Golden State Warriors, where he spent 13 seasons, to the Mavericks. At that time, he envisioned playing alongside superstar Luka Dončić, anticipating a solid offensive partnership that could lead the team deep into the playoffs. However, Thompson only played 21 games with Dončić before a surprising trade saw him shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Unfortunately for Dallas, this deal hasn’t paid off, with the team struggling to find its footing since.
In the wake of trades and injuries, Dončić continues to play at an MVP level for the Lakers, while Thompson’s intended running mate, Kyrie Irving, has been sidelined due to an ACL injury. Adding to Dallas’ woes, star center Dereck Lively II is out for the season following foot surgery. As for Davis, he faced injury setbacks after joining the Mavericks, playing sparsely since his trade.
Thompson’s Performance and Future Speculations
This plight reflects a startling contrast for Thompson, a five-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion, who now sees the Mavericks, once fresh off a Finals appearance, plummeting in performance. His current stats—averaging just 11.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game with shooting percentages at career lows—speak to his struggles this season. Recently, however, Thompson has improved his shooting to 40.3% from beyond the arc over the last fifteen games, fueling hopes he might regain his form.
With the Mavericks currently exploring trade opportunities involving Thompson and others including Davis, D’Angelo Russell, and Daniel Gafford, speculation has arisen about a potential reunion with the Warriors. The Warriors themselves have been underperforming this season, sitting at 13-14, which could make bringing Thompson back desirable for both sides. When asked about this, Thompson remained non-committal, but teammate Stephen Curry expressed openness to the possibility, remarking on their past success together.
Conclusion: Critical Decisions Ahead
As the season progresses, the trade decisions Dallas makes could significantly alter the team’s trajectory and Thompson’s legacy in the league. Ultimately, the upcoming trade deadline presents a period of critical decision-making for the Mavericks, who hope to salvage their season and establish a solid competition framework in the near future.
