NBA teams get big Klay Thompson availability update

To say that Klay Thompson's tenure with the Dallas Mavericks has been disappointing wouldn't tell half of the story.

The former Golden State Warriors star left the Bay Area to play for a championship contender, only to watch the Mavericks trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers shortly after. He hasn't been the same three-and-D expert he was in his heyday, but given his shooting and championship experience, he'd be a valuable asset to any contender. He'd also welcome a move elsewhere, but his contract is an obstacle.

However, as much as the Mavericks might not be a championship team right now, NBA insider Marc Stein reports they're not interested in a buyout.

The Mavericks still don't want to buy out Klay Thompson

“The Stein Line has learned that there has indeed been direct contact this offseason between new Mavericks president Masai Ujiri and Thompson,” Stein wrote. “But Dallas has maintained since mid-June that it prefers to trade Thompson if possible rather than buy him out.”

Thompson is entering the final year of the three-year, $50 million deal he signed with the Mavericks, so the team believes he has more value as a trade chip. That's proper asset management. While his salary is a bit too steep compared to his recent contributions, and the CBA makes it more difficult for teams to stack up big contracts, there's no actual incentive in letting him walk without getting anything in return.

The Miami Heat and Lakers are reportedly interested in Thompson's services, but it looks like they'll have to give up something to get their hands on the four-time NBA champion.