Dallas Mavericks Exploring Ways To Sign Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson

The Mavericks are looking for ways to add perimeter shooting and are could sign one of the NBA's greatest shooters ever

Nov 29, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to make a splash to their starting lineup after making a run to the NBA Finals. They may have lost in five games to the Boston Celtics but they're still one of the NBA's best teams and need to make some changes around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to get over the hump.

One option the Mavericks are looking into is Klay Thompson, who has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors up to this point. Per Marc Stein, "League sources tell The Stein Line that the Dallas Mavericks, with some newfound financial flexibility after securing the Tim Hardaway Jr.-to-Detroit trade that I wrote about Tuesday, are another team intent on exploring the feasibility of signing Thompson once he makes it to free agency.”

READ MORE: Mavericks Trade Tim Hardaway Jr. to Pistons in Exchange for Quentin Grimes

Thompson does not have an offer on the table to return to Golden State as of Friday morning and will explore his options in the open market. He's not the same player he was in the prime of Golden State's dynasty at the end of the 2010s after an ACL and Achilles tear, but he still averaged 17.9 PPG while shooting 38.7% from 3 this season. For a Mavericks team looking for a third scoring option and an elite shooter, Thompson could fit alongside Doncic and Irving seamlessly. He's still a positive defensively, even if he's not as quick laterally as he used to be.

The Warriors may be more willing to facilitate a sign-and-trade as well, as they're still looking to get back into contention as long as they have Stephen Curry playing at an elite level. Dallas sits just under $15 million below the first tax apron, but they're likely to use the majority of that to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr. Thompson is likely looking for a 2 or 3-year contract as he enters the latter stages of his career.

Dallas could dangle Josh Green, Maxi Kleber, and trade exceptions to equal around $32.6 million in salary if the option opens up for a quality trade. The remaining trade exception from the Richaun Holmes trade at last year's draft expires July 8th and it'd be best for a contending team to not let any asset expire.

Other reports have shown that the Mavericks are interested in Denver's Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but that Denver would be unlikely to help facilitate a sign-and-trade with another contending Western Conference team. Thompson, at 34 years old, is a better player than Caldwell-Pope but his value may be similar given his age.

Teams can start openly negotiating with free agents on June 30th, which is just two days away. There is a good chance the Mavericks reach an extension with Derrick Jones Jr. before then so they know exactly how much they can operate with in this year's free agency.

READ MORE: NBA Free Agency Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Interested In Two-Time Champion Guard

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