The Dallas Mavericks are embracing the tank, and in an effort to lose some games and embrace the youth on the roster, the team could make a roster move even after the NBA trade deadline.
The Dallas Mavericks finally did the right thing earlier this month, flipping Anthony Davis at the trade deadline to the Washington Wizards. It showcased the Mavericks' commitment to youth and their current core, while also admitting that the team will not be in serious contention for at least the next few seasons.
As the 12th seed in the Western Conference entering the All-Star Break, the Mavericks have fallen well short of the (unreasonable?) preseason expectations. Still, with a core of Cooper Flagg, Ryan Nembhard, Naji Marshall, Max Christie, and the out-for-the-season Dereck Lively II, the Mavericks have some solid pieces to build around.
Dallas still needs to shed some age--and some salary--and could agree to buyout one of its veteran leaders, who should be eager for a change of scenery.
Spurs Emerge as Klay Thompson Landing Spot
In 2024, Klay Thompson left his Splash Brother and the Golden State Warriors for DTX, hoping he could step in as the missing piece and propel the Mavericks to a title alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Instead, the core he relished playing with was blown up, and in his first season away from Golden State, his old team won a playoff series while his new team floundered in the play-in.
Thompson, who left the Mavericks in search of a fifth title, ended up on a rebuilding team. Now 36 years old, the Mavs are on the rise, but Thompson won't be around to raise a banner.
Owed $17.4 million next season, the Mavericks could buy him out. Provided he could then sign with a contender--like the Lakers, Pistons, or Celtics--it stands to reason that he would agree to a lower price from Dallas just to be off the books.
The best landing spot, however, is the in-state San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are the league's 22nd-best 3-point shooting team, and even though Thompson has regressed, he is still a steady marksman and could come off the bench, playing big minutes for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama looks ready to lead San Antonio to a title sometime in the next two or three seasons, and with the roster spot previously occupied by Jeremy Sochan now available, the Spurs could extend an offer.
The Mavericks might not be eager to help out the Spurs, but in order to fix their image and do right by a future Hall of Famer, the front office might be swayed.