Mavericks Weigh Klay Thompson Trade or Buyout as Rebuild Looms

Dallas shifts focus to youth development, leaving veteran Thompson's future uncertain.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:15am

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Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 hoping to chase another NBA championship, but major roster changes have the team now prioritizing a youth movement and long-term rebuilding. With Luka Doncic and other stars no longer on the team, the Mavericks are expected to explore trading or buying out Thompson, who is in the final year of his contract and no longer fits their timeline.

Why it matters

Thompson's potential departure signals a significant shift for the Mavericks, as they move away from their recent NBA Finals appearance and focus on developing younger talents like Cooper Flagg. This transition could have major implications for the franchise's future and Thompson's own championship aspirations as he enters the latter stage of his career.

The details

The Mavericks' 19-35 record has them struggling near the bottom of the standings, far from their NBA Finals appearance just before Thompson's arrival in 2024. With Luka Doncic no longer on the roster and other key players like Anthony Davis traded or injured, the team is centered on developing young talents and rebuilding for long-term success. This new direction reduces Thompson's fit, as the team looks to acquire younger players and move away from their veteran-led past.

  • Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2024.
  • The Mavericks currently have a 19-35 record in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Klay Thompson

A veteran NBA player who joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 with the goal of pursuing another championship, but now faces an uncertain future with the team as they shift their focus to youth and rebuilding.

Cooper Flagg

A young talent that the Mavericks are developing as part of their rebuilding efforts and long-term growth strategy.

Luka Doncic

A former star player for the Mavericks who is no longer on the team's roster, contributing to the franchise's shift in direction.

Anthony Davis

A veteran player who was traded away by the Mavericks after just 29 games, further signaling the team's move towards a youth-focused rebuild.

Kyrie Irving

A veteran player who is still rehabilitating from a knee injury, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the Mavericks' roster and future.

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What they’re saying

“Other than (Daniel) Gafford, the one big name that we should try to keep an eye on, whether it's a buyout in the offseason or a potential trade, is Klay Thompson.”

— Brett Siegel, Analyst

“Because he's gonna be in the final year of his contract, he doesn't seem to fit their timeline anymore, and he wants to be on a team that's gonna be contending for a championship. So I would keep an eye on Klay Thompson, what's gonna happen with him around the time of the draft.”

— Brett Siegel, Analyst

What’s next

The Mavericks will need to decide whether to trade or buy out Klay Thompson before the start of the 2026-27 season, as they continue to prioritize youth and long-term rebuilding over immediate contention.

The takeaway

Klay Thompson's potential departure from the Mavericks signals a significant shift in the franchise's direction, as they move away from their recent NBA Finals appearance and focus on developing younger talents. This transition could have major implications for both Thompson's championship aspirations and the Mavericks' long-term success.