Klay Thompson’s future with Mavericks revealed after direct talks with president Masai Ujiri originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Klay Thompson's two years in Dallas have gone from a "B"-grade debut to a forgettable season. Now entering the final year of his contract under a completely revamped front office, his path forward is finally taking shape. According to recent reports, it runs through a direct line to Mavericks president Masai Ujiri.
Thompson's decline became apparent shortly after arriving in the franchise. During his first year with the Mavericks, he managed a respectable 14 points per game, but his efficiency took a hit. By his second season, his production dipped further to an average of just 11.7 points as his playing time plummeted to a career-low 21.7 minutes per game.
Plus, he was no longer a cornerstone of the team after Cooper Flagg joined last season as the No. 1 draft pick. Now, he enters the final year of his three-year, $50 million contract, set to earn roughly $17.5 million this season before entering unrestricted free agency. With his minutes down, all eyes are on his next move.
Masai Ujiri, Klay Thompson hold direct trade talks
According to Marc Stein’s The Stein Line, Thompson and Ujiri have already held direct talks this offseason. Ujiri has been aggressively restructuring the roster since taking over as Mavericks president in May, making Thompson’s future one of the summer’s biggest storylines.
It is no secret that Dallas prefers to trade Thompson rather than buy out his contract. However, finding a deal remains complicated. The report read, "Two sources briefed on the process said this week that it remains unclear how the situation will play out. Dallas currently has 16 standard contracts on its books — one more than the league maximum that will be allowed as of Oct. 19 — but Thompson's fate remained undecided as of Sunday."
The market for the four-time champion extends well beyond Dallas simply making phone calls. The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat have both emerged as serious suitors, keeping a close eye on whether Ujiri holds firm on demanding assets back or eventually relents to a buyout.
Moreover, a nostalgic reunion with the Golden State Warriors has also made the rounds on the rumor mill, though league insiders consider it a long shot.
For now, Thompson remains a Maverick, his next chapter still unwritten as Ujiri and head coach Dusty May sort through a roster that's over the limit with weeks to go before opening night.
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