Klay Thompson was supposed to slot into the Dallas Mavericks as a third scorer behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With that plan dismantled, there's no reason for him to be in town.
It's not Klay Thompson's fault, although he didn't really help his case.
The Dallas Mavericks' team that Thompson signed up to be a key part of had title hopes, two elite guards, quality play down low, and veterans up and down the roster. He was supposed to be the missing piece, getting the Mavs their first ring since 2011 and Luka Doncic the first title of his career.
Instead, Doncic was traded, Irving tore his ACL, and Thompson was left on a sinking ship. While the future looks bright for the Mavs, Thompson is nearing the end of his career and doesn't really have time to stick around and see through a rebuild.
Plus, when he signed his three-year contract to play in Dallas, he thought he would be on a contender. He's made it clear that he doesn't want to stick around in Texas much longer, and the Mavericks would be better off letting him go.
Dallas Mavericks Must Part Ways With Klay Thompson
Despite nearing the end of his career and being well past his prime, Thompson is a solid NBA player who can impact winning.
In the most recent season, he posted 11.7 points on 38.3 percent shooting from downtown. That would have been a welcome addition on a team like the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, or Detroit Pistons, especially given his championship pedigree. Instead, Thompson was languishing on one of the worst teams in the league.
Did the Mavericks provide value this season to Thompson and his legacy? Nope! Did Thompson help the Mavericks tank and land the best draft pick possible? Not exactly. Does he have a place on the Cooper Flagg-led franchise? Absolutely not.
Now, fans and the front office will have to accept that his trade value has never been lower. He is still owed $17.4 million next season, and while his play has been solid, it's hard to justify that price tag. Years ago, he would have been worth multiple dirtst-round picks, and the Mavericks even traded away Josh Green and a second-round pick in the sign-and-trade that brought him to town.
Now, the Mavericks will simply have to include him in a salary dump, but it's for the good of both parties. Take it from Thompson himself, he doesn't want to be here much longer.
"I’m not sure,” said Thompson when asked if he would be back next season. “I mean, I am under contract, so I do, but I’ve definitely learned in my time in Dallas that things can change on a dime. So just here to have great timing, put my best foot forward, and that’s all you can do.”
How inspiring!