Klay Thompson has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors. That may change soon as rumors continue to swirl about uncertainty regarding a possible contract between Thompson and the Warriors. As a result, the chances of Thompson leaving in NBA free agency are seemingly becoming increasingly likely, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports. So do the Dallas Mavericks make sense as a potential suitor?
Following the Warriors' defeat in the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament, Dallas was mentioned as a “possible suitor” for Thompson, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. Although that was reported back in mid-April, the Mavs still loom as a potential landing destination for Thompson.
Dallas could use another scoring option alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Thompson is more than capable of playing on the wing and knocking down shots. Recency bias suggests that Thomson is nowhere near the shooter he once was given his struggles in the play-in tournament. But the fact is that he recorded respectable results during the 2023-24 season.
Thompson played in 77 games, which was his highest mark since the 2018-19 campaign. He averaged 17.9 points per outing on 43.2 percent field goal and 38.7 percent 3-point shooting. Thompson also led the league with a 92.7 percent free throw shooting rate.
Thompson's long-range shooting ability is his greatest asset at this point of his career. Sure, his 3-point shooting percentage dipped from his career average of 41.3 percent. Still, connecting on just under 39 percent of your shots from deep is not bad.
Arguments for signing Klay Thompson
There are cases to be made for and against pursuing Klay Thompson. The first hurdle will be the financial element of it all.
Dallas will have trouble pursuing Thompson from a cap space standpoint. They will likely need to lean on a sign-and-trade or a different avenue in order to add Thompson. It should be noted that the Mavs may try to trade Tim Hardaway Jr, which could lead to extra financial flexibility.
Speaking purely from a basketball standpoint, the fit does make sense. The Mavericks need another scoring threat and Dallas loves to shoot the three-ball. Thompson is not a ball-dominant guard either, so he would likely fit well alongside Irving and Doncic.
Thompson is not the same caliber of defender he once was. Still, he is going to work hard on the defensive end of the floor. The Mavericks improved their defense in the second-half of the 2023-24 campaign, so that should not be too much of a concern.
The Mavericks finished 13th in 3-point shooting efficiency in 2023-24. However, they attempted the second most 3-point shots per game, only trailing the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics. Adding a player like Thompson could help the Mavs improve their long-range efficiency during the 2024-25 campaign.
Arguments against signing Klay Thompson
There are also arguments to be made against signing Thompson. He is 34 years old and has displayed signs of decline. Additionally, Thompson is fresh off a forgettable play-in tournament performance. Thompson went 0-10 from the field and 0-6 from deep in the Warriors 118-94 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
One game will not completely change a team's decision. Still, Thompson was never one to back down in big moments during his prime. Yet, he looked like a different player against the Kings.
The Mavericks want to compete and they need players who can step up in clutch moments. In the end, Thompson's plethora of postseason experience will outweigh his recent struggles.
Final verdict: Should Mavericks sign Klay Thompson?
If Thompson and the Warriors do not agree to a contract, the veteran guard will be linked to a number of teams. After all, he is someone who can fit in most offenses given his play-style.
The Mavericks will need to decide if signing Thompson is an idea they want to truly explore. Dallas is looking to compete for a championship and adding a four-time champion would not be a bad idea.
The Mavericks should at least consider adding Klay Thompson in NBA free agency.
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