Klay Thompson’s Future In Dallas Is Fading Away

Klay Thompson entered free agency in 2024 in need of a fresh start for his future. After missing two seasons with back-to-back ACL and Achilles injuries, he struggled to return to his “Splash Brother” prime. His scoring average dropped from 22.5 points per game to 17.9, while his three-point percentage fell from 44% to 38.7%. As a result, the team moved him to the bench, and Brandin Podziemski took over much of his production and minutes. Then came the Dallas Mavericks.

Fresh off their first NBA Finals appearance in 13 years, the Mavericks built around perennial All-Stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Dallas needed consistent three-point shooting after the issue plagued them during the Finals. Thompson appeared to offer an immediate solution. With the team seemingly one piece away from a title, the Mavericks sold Thompson on a revitalized future alongside two of the league’s best facilitators. However, less than two years later, Thompson once again finds his future uncertain. The team he was promised is now a fond memory. Klay Thompson’s future in Dallas is bleak. What comes next for the four-time NBA Champion?

Klay Thompson’s Future In Dallas Is Fading Away

Thompson’s Season So Far

This season, Thompson averages 11.5 points per game while shooting just 38.7% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range. Because of those struggles, the Mavericks’ front office has begun difficult conversations about the future of the roster. At the same time, Dallas has embraced a youth movement centered around Cooper Flagg. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton appears likely to remain in Dallas next season. Consequently, Thompson now finds himself on the outside looking in, left alongside visions of what might have been.

So, as the Mavericks turn their attention to Thompson’s future, what options do they have to move on from an underperforming shooting guard with a championship pedigree? Let’s take a closer look.

The Money

In 2024, Thompson signed a three-year deal worth a guaranteed $50 million with the Dallas Mavericks. Now, with one year remaining, Thompson holds a player option worth $17.46 million for next season. However, his declining production no longer aligns with Dallas’ long-term plan.

At the trade deadline, the Mavericks signaled a clear priority: create flexibility and open space for the future. If Dallas chooses to buy out Thompson’s contract, the move could free cap room for younger talent this offseason. Still, a buyout isn’t the only path forward. According to reports, Dallas quietly fielded trade offers for Thompson near the deadline, and league sources expect those conversations to resume this summer.

In other words, the Mavericks appear ready to move on — the question is how.