San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama and Dallas Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg (Image via Getty) The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly exploring a trade that would bring Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson to the team. The move is being discussed as a way to strengthen the roster around Victor Wembanyama and support a push toward playoff contention in the 2025-26 season.San Antonio has stayed competitive in the Western Conference, while Dallas has fallen to 19-34. With both teams heading in different directions, a deal could address immediate needs for each side. The Spurs would add outside shooting and experience, and the Mavericks could create salary flexibility while reshaping the roster.
Different Situations for Both Teams
The San Antonio Spurs are built around Victor Wembanyama and a young group that includes Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie. Veterans Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, and Luke Kornet are on expiring contracts, giving the front office options if it chooses to make a move.Dallas Mavericks have used Klay Thompson mostly off the bench alongside Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Cooper Flagg, and Dereck Lively II. Recent losses have highlighted the team’s inconsistent three-point shooting.The finances make a trade possible. Thompson carries a $16.7 million cap hit for 2025-26, while expiring deals such as Olynyk’s $25.5 million and Barnes’ $28.5 million can help match salaries without requiring draft picks.
Possible Trade Structure
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) dribbles as Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jeffries (3) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center (Image via Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
One scenario would send Klay Thompson and injured guard Dante Exum to San Antonio. Dallas could receive Kelly Olynyk, Lindy Waters III, and either Harrison Barnes or Keldon Johnson to keep the incoming and outgoing salary near the $18-20 million range.This approach allows the Spurs to keep their young core, Wembanyama, Vassell, and Castle, while Dallas clears Thompson’s $17.5 million expiring contract for the 2026-27 season. It also helps the Mavericks manage second-apron pressure.
Key Player Stats
PlayerTeamGPMPGPPGRPGAPG3P%BLK/G Victor Wembanyama Spurs 46* 33.2 24.3 11.0 3.7 35.2 3.2 Klay Thompson Mavericks 48 22.1 11.6 2.4 1.4 37.6 0.3 Devin Vassell Spurs 5** 34.7 16.8 4.6 2.4 N/A 0.2*Partial season projection; **Early season sample
What the San Antonio Spurs Would Gain
Klay Thompson would give San Antonio a reliable catch-and-shoot option and more spacing around Wembanyama and Vassell. His experience could also help younger players such as Castle and Harper. Even with the move, the Spurs are projected to have about $41 million in cap space for 2026.
What the Dallas Mavericks Would Gain
Dallas would lower payroll by roughly $3.2 million this season and open minutes for younger players such as Flagg or Christie. The added flexibility could help the team build around Irving and Davis while avoiding deeper tax penalties.
Pros and Cons
Pros for Spurs:
• Immediate shooting help with a 37.6% three-point shooter. • Veteran presence for a roster that averages around 25 years old. • Expiring contracts help protect future cap space.
Cons for Spurs:
• Thompson’s age does not match Wembanyama’s timeline. • Trading Olynyk removes a stretch-five and reduces depth.
Pros for Mavericks:
• Financial relief and more roster flexibility. • More opportunities for younger players.
Cons for Mavericks:
• Loss of a proven shooter despite a 35.8% win rate.
Age and Roster Snapshot
The potential pairing would put 22-year-old, 7-foot-4 Wembanyama next to the 36-year-old Thompson, a 6-foot-6 guard. Moving the 34-year-old Olynyk would help the Spurs stay younger overall while continuing to build around their franchise player.Also read: NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to land Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler amid LeBron James free agency
Early Outlook for this Mock Trade
If the trade happens, San Antonio would take a step toward competing sooner without giving up future assets. Dallas would gain financial flexibility and focus more on long-term roster planning during a difficult season.