The Dallas Mavericks entered the offseason facing significant changes at the top of the organization. With Masai Ujiri taking over as president of basketball operations, the franchise has begun a new chapter focused on balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term development.
Ujiri arrives with a reputation as one of the NBA’s most respected executives, bringing years of experience building successful rosters. However, his first months on the job come with difficult decisions regarding several veterans, including four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson.
Dallas finds itself in an unusual position. The Mavericks possess established players capable of contributing right away, yet much of their roster is still developing. That combination has created uncertainty about how aggressively the team should pursue short-term success.
Among the players drawing the most attention is Thompson, who is entering the final season of his contract. As speculation surrounding his future continues to grow, rival teams are monitoring whether Dallas will keep him, trade him, or eventually consider a buyout.
1. Thompson’s Uncertain Future
Thompson’s situation has become one of the more intriguing storylines of the Mavericks’ offseason. The veteran guard is set to earn $17.5 million in the final year of his deal, making him an attractive option for teams seeking shooting help without committing beyond one season.
Although Thompson is no longer the All-Star force he was during his prime years with Golden State, he remains one of the league’s most respected perimeter shooters. His ability to stretch defenses continues to carry value across the NBA.
Last season, Thompson averaged nearly three made three-pointers per game while shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc. Those numbers reinforce the idea that, even as his overall role evolves, he can still contribute meaningfully to a playoff contender.
As a result, his name has consistently surfaced in trade discussions. Expiring contracts are often useful assets for teams looking to reshape their roster, and Dallas appears willing to explore what the market may offer before making any major decisions.
2. Miami’s Interest Remains
The Miami Heat have emerged as one of the teams linked to Thompson in recent reports. Miami continues to look for additional depth and perimeter shooting as it attempts to strengthen its roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
For the Heat, acquiring Thompson through a buyout scenario would likely be preferable. Signing him as a free agent after a contract settlement would eliminate the need to send assets back to Dallas in a trade.
However, that possibility does not appear imminent. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks have shown little interest in negotiating a buyout at this stage, signaling that the organization remains focused on exploring alternatives.
Miami’s patience could ultimately be tested if other teams enter the picture. Thompson’s championship experience and shooting ability make him a logical target for contenders seeking veteran reinforcements ahead of the season.
3. Dallas Holds the Leverage
From Dallas’ perspective, there is little incentive to move quickly. The Mavericks control Thompson’s contractual rights and can afford to wait as the market develops over the coming months.
A trade remains the most favorable outcome if the organization decides that Thompson no longer fits its long-term plans. Even a modest return would likely be preferable to allowing a valuable veteran to leave without compensation.
The possibility of a buyout has not been completely ruled out, but it appears to be viewed as a contingency plan rather than an immediate option. Such a move would likely only gain traction if trade discussions fail to produce meaningful interest.
For now, Ujiri and the Mavericks seem content to remain patient. As Dallas continues evaluating its direction under new leadership, Thompson’s future will remain a closely watched storyline throughout the offseason.