Trade Rumors Swirl Around Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford Amid Mavericks’ Struggles

The Dallas Mavericks have once again found themselves at a crossroads just weeks into the new NBA season. Once viewed as a legitimate contender, the franchise has been mired in inconsistency, injuries, and growing speculation about its future direction. With the team sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, questions are mounting about whether changes to the roster are imminent.

Dallas’ offseason vision — a veteran-led core built around Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and a recovering Kyrie Irving — has yet to take shape. Luka Dončić’s offseason move to the Los Angeles Lakers left a void that no one has yet filled, and while top rookie Cooper Flagg has shown promise, the Mavericks’ overall cohesion has lagged behind expectations.

The combination of uneven performances and shifting team dynamics has led front-office executives to reassess their priorities. According to reports, both Thompson and Gafford are being discussed internally as potential trade chips who could help the team pivot toward the future.

While it’s still early in the season, the mood in Dallas is one of urgency. With the franchise struggling to find balance between developing youth and competing for a playoff spot, the coming months could prove decisive for several key veterans.

1. Thompson’s Future in Question

Klay Thompson’s move to Dallas in the summer of 2024 was supposed to be a career renaissance. After spending over a decade with the Golden State Warriors, the five-time All-Star joined the Mavericks through a sign-and-trade deal, seeking a fresh start and the chance to compete for another championship alongside Dončić and Irving. A year later, the situation looks vastly different. Dončić is gone, Irving remains sidelined with a torn ACL, and Thompson has struggled to rediscover the shooting rhythm that made him one of the league’s deadliest perimeter threats. Early-season shooting woes have compounded his frustration, and his recent benching only intensified speculation about his standing within the organization. According to ClutchPoints, a source confirmed that a Thompson trade “is not out of the question.” The Mavericks are reportedly evaluating moves that could bring in younger assets to pair with emerging cornerstone Cooper Flagg, while maintaining flexibility around Irving and Davis. Trading Thompson, however, will not be simple. His age, recent performance decline, and sizable contract could limit his market value. Yet, if the veteran guard regains form in the coming months — and Dallas continues to underperform — his name could quickly resurface as one of the most discussed at the 2026 trade deadline.

2. Gafford’s Role and the Frontcourt Dilemma

Daniel Gafford’s situation is more nuanced. The athletic big man was a key midseason addition in 2024, bringing energy and rim protection to a Mavericks team that reached the NBA Finals before falling to the Boston Celtics. His chemistry with young center Dereck Lively II helped solidify Dallas’ interior defense and made him a fan favorite. But with Anthony Davis now anchoring the frontcourt and Lively continuing to develop, Gafford’s role has become less defined. His minutes have fluctuated, and his name has quietly surfaced in trade discussions over the past several months. The Mavericks may explore using Gafford as part of a deal to acquire perimeter scoring or draft capital, particularly if they commit to reshaping their roster around younger talent. Still, Gafford’s professionalism and effort have not gone unnoticed. He remains a capable starter when called upon, offering dependable production as the team weathers injuries to its stars. His value — both on the court and as a trade asset — could increase as the season progresses and playoff hopefuls look to bolster their frontcourt depth. For Dallas, the decision may ultimately hinge on long-term planning. Retaining Gafford provides stability, but moving him could free up resources to accelerate the team’s next phase of rebuilding around Flagg, Irving, and Davis.

3. Balancing the Present and the Future

The Mavericks’ front office faces a difficult balancing act: competing in the present while preparing for the future. With an underperforming veteran core and an emerging rookie star, Dallas must decide whether to double down on its current group or pivot toward youth and flexibility. If Thompson can rediscover his shooting touch, the Mavericks could justify keeping him through the season — particularly if the team begins to climb the standings. Conversely, continued struggles could push the organization toward exploring trades before February’s deadline. As for Gafford, his dependable play makes him a valuable piece for any playoff-caliber team, and his departure could fetch meaningful returns. But his physical presence and defensive versatility also make him difficult to replace on a roster that already lacks consistency. Ultimately, both Thompson and Gafford represent pivotal crossroads for Dallas — veterans with proven ability, now facing uncertain futures in a franchise redefining its identity. With each passing week, the Mavericks’ decisions will shape not only their playoff hopes but the direction of their next era.