Warriors predicted to flip Jimmy Butler for $298M Hall of Fame shooter, athletic frontcourt duo

The Dallas Mavericks could still make additional roster moves before the start of the season. One player widely viewed as a potential trade candidate is four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson.

The biggest question surrounding Thompson's future is whether Dallas will trade him or eventually negotiate a buyout. If he does become available, the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers are considered two of his preferred destinations.

“My understanding is that Thompson would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home. The Miami Heat are another team frequently mentioned in NBA circles as a potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer," The Athletic's Christian Clark wrote.

Another team that has been linked to Thompson is the Golden State Warriors, where he built his Hall of Fame résumé. A reunion with Steph Curry would be one of the biggest storylines of the NBA offseason.

“He and Stephen Curry formed the dynamic, sharp-shooting backcourt duo nicknamed the "Splash Brothers." And with Draymond Green as an enforcer, the big three would be back together again, albeit a lot older than their initial stint together. A reunion amongst them would be the full-circle moment that many want to see, maybe with the exception of rival opponents,” USA Today’s Marcus D. Smith wrote.

The Warriors also have the assets to pursue Thompson in a trade. Heavy.com's Sai Mohan believes Golden State could acquire Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford by sending Jimmy Butler, draft compensation, and a pick swap to Dallas.

“Warriors would receive: Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford Mavericks would receive: Jimmy Butler, 2027 first-round pick (via GSW), 2028 first-round pick swap (DAL right to swap),” Mohan wrote.

Such a move would be a major boost for the Warriors, addressing multiple needs with one blockbuster trade. Golden State is trying to maximize what could be the final championship window of the Steph Curry era, and adding three proven contributors would significantly strengthen the roster.

Thompson has earned $298 million in NBA contracts throughout his career. Washington and Gafford are also playing on the largest contracts of their careers, making this a massive financial commitment. If the deal were to happen, it would dramatically reshape the outlook for both the Warriors and the Mavericks.

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