Dallas explores trade options for Klay Thompson

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Four-time NBA champion and premier shooter Klay Thompson might be on the move.

According to The Athletic NBA insider Christian Clark, the Dallas Mavericks are exploring trade options that would send Thompson to another team, as reported on Aug. 4, 2026.

To facilitate the move, the Mavericks will attempt to trim their current roster to make room for Thompson’s buyout.

Although multiple reports confirmed that Dallas isn’t willing to buy out his USD 17.5 million contract, several suitors are already laying the groundwork to arrange Thompson’s departure from the Mavericks.

Clark reiterated that Thompson is optimistic about wearing a Los Angeles Lakers uniform to reunite with his former teammate Luka Doncic.

Acquired via sign-and-trade two years ago, Thompson’s championship aspirations with Doncic and Kyrie Irving fell apart when the Dallas front office shipped the Slovenian superstar to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.

Tagged as one of the most inexplicable trades in NBA history, Davis’ stint with the Mavericks briefly ended after a trade to the Washington Wizards, while Doncic helped the Lakers remain a playoff contender.

After an organizational restructuring that saw the Mavericks hire Masai Ujiri as team president and NCAA champion coach Dusty May as head coach, Dallas made it known that it is heading in a different direction in terms of playing style.

May’s perimeter-centric style leaves little room for Thompson’s 3-point shooting prowess, especially with the additions of two-way forwards Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberovic.

Aside from the Lakers, the Miami Heat is also reportedly pursuing Thompson, as the team is in dire need of a floor spacer following the arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Thompson remains one of the league’s most reliable shooters, averaging 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game last regular season.