Divergent timelines collide as Dallas and San Antonio could contemplate a Klay Thompson trade, reshaping both franchises' futures.
DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks are not "there'' yet.
The San Antonio Spurs have quickly arrived "there.''
Is there a way for the two Texas rivals to do a deal before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline that helps each program accelerate toward their goals even faster?
The centerpiece of this conversation isn't Dallas veteran Anthony Davis ... though he seems to be the hub of the wheel of a great deal of trade talk.
But this idea is all about Klay Thompson, who is a future Hall of Famer while at the same time not really in a position to aid the Mavs in any sort of quick rebuild.
San Antonio is positioned near the top of the West, with Victor Wembanyama returning from injury - and returning to the starting lineup. If the 7-foot-4 Frenchman is on your roster?
Your roster should be in go-for-it mode.
There is every reason to believe the Spurs can win big - now.
Dallas, meanwhile, is working to build around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, the teenager who is the focus of a long-range plan.
So, Fan Recap offers an idea.
San Antonio Spurs Receive:
- Klay Thompson
- Danté Exum
Dallas Mavericks Receive:
- Kelly Olynyk
- Lindy Waters III
Dallas' motivation here is largely about finances.
This deal would erase from the ledger Thompson’s $17.5 million salary for 2026-27.
Olynyk, 34, is on an expiring deal. Waters comes with only $500,000 of his 2025-26 salary guaranteed.
So again, cap flexibility is the real point ... and it's a trade-dump of Klay.
But it represents something else for San Antonio.
Thompson, a champion from his time in Golden State, knows how to win, opens up the floor for Wemby and costs the Spurs nothing in terms of key talent.
This figures as a "rental,'' as Thompson's contract becomes an expiring in 2026-27.
This would be a little move for Flagg's Mavs, who aren't going anywhere quite yet ... but it could be a big move for a Spurs team that might just contend to win it all this year.