Could the Charlotte Hornets trade for Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson this offseason?
The Charlotte Hornets have been considered a trade landing spot for Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.
NBA analyst James Piercey of Dallas Hoops Journal believes Thompson would be a good fit on the Hornets.
"The Charlotte Hornets don't need Thompson, per se," Piercey wrote. "They may have his spiritual successor in Kon Knueppel. Yet, that's exactly why they'd want Thompson. Sometimes, it's wise for an NBA team to replicate what's working with their starting lineup with their second unit. By acquiring Thompson, the Hornets could keep comparable three-point gravity on the floor for 48 minutes per game. Both Thompson and Knueppel are positionally versatile enough to share the floor at times as well.
"This is about leaning into an identity. The Hornets are already one of the best shooting teams in the NBA. By contrast, this next team needs some shooting."
Thompson appeared in 69 games for the Mavericks this season. He averaged 11.7 points per a night while shooting 39.3% from the field, 38.3% from beyond the arc and 76.6% from the free-throw line.
One of the best shooters in NBA history, Thompson will make $17,460,317 next season in the final year of his contract. The four-time champion could be traded this offseason since the Mavericks are in rebuild mode.
The Hornets didn't make the playoffs this season, but they have a bright future with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel leading the way. Adding Thompson to that core would make Charlotte more explosive on offense.
A future Hall of Famer, Thompson has played for the Golden State Warriors and Mavericks. He has career averages of 18.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
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