Klay Thompson Traded Amid Mavs Buzz

Klay Thompson is generating interest from opposing teams due to his expiring $17.5 million salary.

What happened?

The Dallas Mavericks, led by new team president Masai Ujiri, are transforming their basketball operations department.

Ujiri was hired on May 4 and given complete authority to set the direction for the franchise.

The Mavs finished 26-56 this season, their fewest wins since 2017-18.

Why it matters for Klay Thompson

Thompson's expiring salary and three-point shooting make him easier to deal, with the 36-year-old averaging 11.7 points on 38.3 percent three-point shooting in 69 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign.

The Mavericks are expected to be active in trade talks this summer, with Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington viewed as the players they are "most open" to dealing.

What comes next?

Marc Stein reported that Kyrie Irving has drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons.

Ujiri's introductory press conference focused on building around Cooper Flagg, making the idea of trading expensive veteran players brought in by the previous regime a likely move.

Washington and Gafford have contract extensions that won't kick in until the start of the 2026-27 season, with Washington owed $88.8 million over the next four years and Gafford making $54.4 million over the next three seasons.

The Mavericks' overhaul of their basketball operations department began with the parting of ways with head coach Jason Kidd on May 19, amid rumors of a potential power struggle between the two, as Kidd had previously expressed a desire to be named president of basketball operations.