Klay Thompson Becomes Trade Target in Kawhi Leonard Rumor

Klay Thompson entered fresh trade chatter on 7 July 2026 as reports linked him to a possible Kawhi Leonard deal that could send the sharpshooter to the Dallas Mavericks.

What is the proposed trade?

According to The Athletic, Dallas Mavericks president Masai Ujiri is exploring a package that would move Leonard to Dallas in exchange for P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and draft picks. The report cites insiders Christian Clark, Dan Woike and Sam Amick. The Mavericks view the move as a win-now option, though Ujiri emphasized a longer-term focus for the franchise.

Why is Klay Thompson included?

Thompson’s contract and veteran experience make him a valuable asset for a team looking to add shooting depth. The Warriors would gain a first-round pick and a versatile wing in Washington, while Dallas would acquire a proven 3-point scorer. The trade would also free up salary cap space for the Mavericks, aligning with Ujiri’s statement that the organization “is not going to make decisions based on winning today.”

How does this affect the Warriors?

If the deal goes through, Golden State would lose a key component of its “Splash” duo. Thompson’s career averages of 19.5 points and 2.3 3-point makes per game underscore his offensive importance. The Warriors would need to rely more heavily on Stephen Curry and emerging talent to maintain their perimeter threat. The added draft capital could accelerate a rebuild, but the timing remains uncertain.

What are the odds the trade will happen?

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer later reported that Dallas is not currently seen as a “plausible” landing spot for Leonard. The Clippers appear determined to retain him, and other suitors like the Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs are reportedly higher on Leonard’s list. While the Mavericks have expressed interest, the trade remains speculative and faces significant hurdles.

What’s the broader context?

Ujiri, who led the Toronto Raptors from 2013 to 2025 and orchestrated the 2019 championship trade for Leonard, took over as Mavericks president in May. He highlighted the team’s 19-year-old generational player, Cooper Flagg, and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving as core pieces. Adding Leonard would create a trio with Flagg and Irving that “would almost certainly be enough to make the playoffs,” according to the report.

What could happen next?

The Clippers are reportedly negotiating a separate deal that could send Leonard back to Toronto, potentially involving Brandon Ingram. Meanwhile, the Warriors must prepare for the possibility of losing Thompson while evaluating how to replace his scoring. As trade windows close, the NBA landscape could shift dramatically, with Dallas, Toronto, and the Clippers all vying for Leonard’s future.

Bottom line

Klay Thompson’s name resurfacing in a high-profile trade scenario underscores his market value and the fluid nature of NBA roster construction. Whether he stays in Golden State or heads to Dallas, the outcome will shape the competitive balance for multiple teams this season.