Klay Thompson came to the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 hoping for a couple of title runs, but one terrible luck after another shattered that into pieces.

First, former Mavs GM Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic away in February 2025, the very reason Thompson came to Dallas. Then, a mere month after, Kyrie Irving tore his ACL and hasn’t played since. Oh, and the guy Doncic was traded for, Anthony Davis, got plagued with injuries as expected and was eventually shipped just to cut losses.

By 2025-26, Thompson was no longer a veteran piece on a contender. He was a 36-year-old sharpshooter on a rebuilding Mavericks team that finished 26-56. While top pick Cooper Flagg is there and could very well be a future top player in the league, Klay simply doesn’t belong on their timeline. Both parties should move on – time for that ol’ patented buyout of a veteran on a rebuilding team.

If things were only that simple, though. Dallas isn’t interested in handing him over.

Thompson is entering the final season of his contract, worth $17.5 million in 2026-27, before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. He’ll be 37 by the time the 2027 playoffs begin, making this potentially his final opportunity to join a legitimate championship contender.

Masai Ujiri, the Mavericks’ new president, has emphasized that Dallas’ decisions will be made with the future in mind. He hired Mike Schmitz as general manager to oversee the day-to-day basketball operations, and the organization has continued exploring Thompson’s trade market rather than pursuing a buyout.

That makes sense. If someone wants Thompson, why let him walk for nothing?

The tricky part is finding a trade that works. Thompson’s $17.5 million salary isn’t insignificant, and the contenders most interested in him may have little to no budget to match that money while preserving the rosters that make them contenders. 

There is no shortage of teams that could use a veteran shooter overflowing with championship experience.

Miami is an obvious fit. The Heat have added Giannis Antetokounmpo, but their blockbuster move gutted some of their depth and left them needing more shooting around their new superstar.

Philadelphia could also use another elite floor-spacer after adding Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to a core that already features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

Then, there’s sunny Los Angeles. Thompson has reportedly welcomed a return to the Lakers, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home. Reuniting with Doncic would also give the Lakers another dangerous shooter to surround their superstar with.

Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles are hoping Dallas eventually decides a buyout is easier. The Mavericks, meanwhile, can wait for someone to make a serious offer. It may turn into a waiting game.