Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Christian Clark of The Athletic reports that the Mavericks are exploring avenues to trade Klay Thompson. If Thompson were to agree to a buyout with Dallas, he would welcome heading to Los Angeles.
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Klay Thompson is heading into the last year of his contract and the possibility looms of him parting ways with the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks so far have had no luck finding any suitors to take on Thompson’s contract. In the event Thompson agrees to a buyout, he’d become an unrestricted free agent.
Clark reports that the Lakers and Heat would have immediate interest in Klay’s services if he were to become available. “The Mavs have explored Klay Thompson’s trade market. My understanding is that Klay would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home”, Clark reports.
He has been long linked to the Lakers over the years notably due to the fact that his father, Mychal Thompson, played for the Lakers from 1986 to 1991.
Klay’s Connections to the Lakers
Mychal Thompson is the longtime color commentator for the Lakers radio broadcast alongside play-by-play radio announcer John Ireland. Over the years, Thompson hasn’t been shy in expressing his desire for his son, Klay, to come join the purple and gold.Even recently on X as the reports came out, some fans urged Mychal to recruit Klay in which he responded with “I’m TRYING”.
Before Klay decided to leave the Golden State Warriors for the Mavericks in 2024, the Lakers were one of the interested teams in signing him. LeBron James at the time was willing to take a significant pay cut for Thompson and several other free agents.
Klay’s Fit
Thompson instead chose Dallas to play alongside Luka Doncic. Doncic was then traded to the Lakers just a half-season later. If Klay were to end up in L.A., where would he fit into the rotation? He’d instantly be the team’s oldest player at 36 years old. He would likely see a role off the bench for the Lakers whilst providing elite shooting, veteran leadership and experience.
Thompson played 69 games last season for Dallas averaging 11.7 points per game and shot 38.3% from three on 7.6 attempts per game. Already having brief experience playing with Doncic, he’d fit perfectly in JJ Redick’s system and would benefit greatly from Doncic and Reaves’ playmaking.
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Hello there! I’m Tyler. Basketball has been a passion of mine since I was a small kid and I’ve … More about Tyler Bazan Tags: 2026-2027 nba season Austin Reaves dallas Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors jj redick Klay Thompson Lakers LeBron James los agneles Los Angeles Lakers luka doncic mychal thompson nba nba free agency nba free agnecy NBA offseason
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