5 best suitors for Klay Thompson amid Mavericks weighing options for $50 million sharpshooter ahead of trade deadline

Klay Thompson has struggled to find his shooting in the early goings of the 2025-26 NBA season. This type of performance could lead the Dallas Mavericks to contemplate a trade, particularly because they're looking for ways to improve their record and leave the cellar of the Western Conference standings.

The Mavs, then, might be hoping that Thompson will improve his numbers before the trade deadline so that he can be a more enticing target for other teams. Across the league, there are ball clubs who would take interest in the four-time NBA champion (who is on an expiring $50 million contract as per Spotrac) while also offering assets that could help Dallas' cause.

5 best suitors for Klay Thompson ahead of trade deadline

Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors v Sacramento Kings - Source: Getty

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On the surface, it seems ridiculous for the Mavericks to send Thompson right back where he came from. But, with aging top stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, Dallas will have to look elsewhere to get younger. Though the Jonathan Kuminga situation has largely simmered down, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Warriors deal him in exchange for the opportunity to reunite the Splash Brothers.

Cleveland Cavaliers

NBA: Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers - Source: Imagn

Thus far, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a middling team in terms of three-point percentage (16th in the league at just 35.6%). If the Cavs are to seriously contend once again, they'll have to improve from beyond the arc, and Thompson can help them with that. Someone like De'Andre Hunter could interest the Mavs, who could use another 3-and-D wing.

San Antonio Spurs

NBA: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn

The point guard logjam involving Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper is a "good" problem for the Spurs front office to solve. The solution could come by way of a trade with their Texas neighbor. The Mavs need someone to take the burden of primary point guard duties off Cooper Flagg, and the Spurs can use a sniper like Thompson to give their mediocre outside shooting a boost.

Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA: Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder - Source: Imagn

By next spring, not a few NBA teams will have come up with a formula to stop the Thunder from dominating the playoffs once more. OKC, then, will need to add a new dimension to their gameplay. Thompson coming off the bench and shooting a barrage of threes would be an excellent addition to an aspiring back-to-back champion, even if it comes at the expense of a youngster like Cason Wallace.

LA Lakers

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves - Source: Imagn

The clamor for Thompson to play with LeBron James has grown louder over the past two seasons, and the time might be ripe for this dream scenario to happen. Thompson, of course, would also get to reunite with his old Dallas teammate Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves' stock has never been higher, and the Mavericks could look to swing a deal in order to pair him with Flagg as their backcourt of the future.

Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado