Klay Thompson did not sign up for this. When he joined the Dallas Mavericks, there was no question about their intentions. Luka Dončić was an in-prime MVP candidate. The Mavericks were positioned to compete for the NBA championship.
Nico Harrison infamously had other plans.
It all worked out, but nobody could have anticipated Cooper Flagg‘s arrival. The Mavericks are arguably in a better long-term situation. What good did that do for Thompson, who will be 37 in the middle of next season? He’s not positioned to be concerned about the team’s half-decade outlook when he is facing limited time left in the NBA.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 69 games for Dallas this season.
Here are three teams he could finish out his career with.
Los Angeles Lakers
If Thompson wanted to play with Dončić, it isn’t too late.
Let it be said that he’s still an ideal fit alongside a high-usage playmaker. Thompson hit 38.3% of his triples this season. That’s a strong number, but it doesn’t fully reflect his three-point gravity. Opposing defenses know they have to scramble to cover Thompson’s shots.
If the Los Angeles Lakers intend to keep Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, Thompson’s presence would allow them to stagger their star playmakers. If James is walking, Thompson could even start alongside the two remaining stars. In either case, a sharpshooter like Thompson would be a quality addition to the team that ultimately landed Dončić.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets don’t need Thompson, per se. 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.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic thought they covered that issue by acquiring Desmond Bane. It seems that wasn’t enough. Bane hit 39.1% of his 5.2 triples per contest, but Orlando still made just 34.3% of their threes as a team, 27th in the NBA.
What other solution is there but to add another shooter? Fans have suggested that Orlando could look to move one of Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner. Perhaps they’ll consider that route, but they’d likely opt for less drastic measures first, especially after testing the Detroit Pistons in the first round. Adding Thompson feels like a more sensible fix.
If it doesn’t work, he’s on an expiring contract, and the Magic can reconsider their options next summer. Sometimes, NBA decisions just don’t work out. Ask Thompson if you don’t believe it.
