Klay Thompson’s Future with Mavericks Dims After Doncic Trade

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Mavericks‘ recent decision to trade superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers has left many questioning the future of veteran Klay Thompson, who joined the team for the 2024 season with high hopes of contributing to a championship run.

Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, signed a three-year, $50 million contract in the offseason. At the age of 34, concerns about his durability arose, especially following previous injuries, including a torn ACL and torn Achilles. Yet, his veteran presence was expected to add experience to a Mavericks team fresh off an NBA Finals appearance.

“I came here to help us win and support Luka and Kyrie,” Thompson said during his introductory press conference. “I think my experience in high-pressure situations will be crucial.”

However, the recent move to trade Doncic has cast a shadow over Thompson’s role. While he has provided offensive bursts, evidenced by 16 games scoring over 20 points this season, his playing time has decreased significantly since the trade.

In the eight games following the trade, Thompson has played over 30 minutes just once and is averaging only 24.8 minutes per game, a stark decline from his previous average of 31.3 minutes. The Mavericks, currently struggling to secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament, may be forced to reevaluate his contributions.

This drop in playing time is largely due to the emergence of younger players like Max Christie, Jaden Hardy, and Naji Marshall, each taking considerable minutes at the positions Thompson typically occupies. Marshall, in particular, has excelled with an average of 23.5 points in recent outings.

“The young guys are stepping up,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd noted. “We’re looking to the future, and those players deserve the opportunity to showcase their talent.”

The changing dynamics have left Thompson seeking a way to adjust to a team where he was once considered a key piece. With $34.1 million remaining on his contract, the future of his tenure in Dallas appears uncertain.

As the Mavericks prepare for the postseason, they find the situation markedly different without Doncic. While many fans remain disheartened, the presence of Anthony Davis on opposing squads adds a layer of challenge. Davis, a seasoned playoff performer and NBA champion with the Lakers, poses a significant threat.

“Davis is a game-changer,” Thompson acknowledged. “He’s been there before, and he knows what it takes to win.”

Historically, Davis’s playoff performances have been impressive, with a career average of 26.1 points per game in the postseason. His history against teams like the Warriors showcases his ability to take over games, creating a formidable challenge for any team.

Despite the Mavericks’ struggles, the potential for an upset in the Play-In Tournament remains. A single-elimination format could work in their favor, leveraging Thompson’s experience and the unpredictability of the matchup.

“We still have a chance to spoil things for someone,” Thompson said. “Every game counts, and we have to be ready.”