NBA Notes: Mavericks, Klay Thompson, Kings, Zach LaVine, Pacers

Mavericks

Klay Thompson‘s future in Dallas remains uncertain, but Dustin Lewis of Mavericks On SI writes that the team has little reason to rush into a buyout.

The Mavericks currently have 16 players under contract and will eventually need to make another roster move. Thompson has been viewed as a possible buyout candidate, but Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report recently reported that Dallas has resisted going that route.

Why give him away if somebody might offer something?

The Lakers and Heat are among the teams that reportedly have interest in Thompson, potentially giving Dallas an opportunity to trade the veteran shooter instead. Fischer indicated the Mavericks would be more interested in draft compensation than adding another player.

Thompson, 36, is entering the final year of his contract and already acknowledged after last season that things can change quickly in Dallas.

His production declined last year as he moved primarily to a reserve role, though he still connected on 38.3 percent of his 3-pointers.

Lewis’ argument is straightforward: With multiple teams interested, Dallas might as well wait and see if somebody is willing to give up an asset before considering a buyout.

Kings

The Kings may not have found a taker for Zach LaVine this summer, but Logan Struck of Kings On SI argues that’s hardly a disaster.

LaVine exercised his $49 million player option after Sacramento reportedly explored sign-and-trade possibilities. He’s now entering the final year of his contract.

Struck believes the best approach is simple: Play him.

LaVine appeared in just 39 games during an uneven 2025-26 season, but he’s only a year removed from averaging 23.3 points while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from three.

A healthy bounce-back season could help Sacramento in two ways.

First, LaVine can still score. Second, playing well could rebuild his trade value ahead of February’s deadline.

Kings insider James Ham has indicated LaVine hasn’t been promised playing time, but Struck argues burying him on the bench would only make him more difficult to trade.

And if none of it works? His contract expires after the season anyway.

That’s why Struck views LaVine less as a long-term problem and more as an expensive short-term situation the Kings can afford to ride out.

Pacers

Alex Golden of Pacers On SI believes Obi Toppin could be the team’s most important reserve next season.

There’s certainly a case for T.J. McConnell, but Golden points to Toppin’s versatility as the separator.

Toppin can provide instant offense, run the floor and stretch defenses from three. Perhaps more importantly, Indiana has shown a willingness to use him as a small-ball center.

That could become particularly useful alongside traditional big man Ivica Zubac, who rarely ventures beyond the 3-point line.

Golden also points to Toppin’s ability to fit alongside just about anyone in Indiana’s rotation. He can play with Pascal Siakam, run with Tyrese Haliburton and McConnell, or provide additional spacing in bigger lineups.

Toppin missed much of last season with a stress fracture in his right foot but finished strongly after returning, scoring at least 20 points in three of his final five games.

Golden’s argument isn’t necessarily that Toppin is Indiana’s best bench player.

It’s that his particular combination of shooting, athleticism and positional flexibility gives coach Rick Carlisle options that few other Pacers reserves can provide.

And for a team built largely around depth and versatility, that could make Toppin especially valuable.