The Smoking Cuban
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Dallas Mavericks: Ranking the 10 best free agent targets for the Mavs

By Kohl Rast

TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks after passing Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- NOVEMBER 29 - Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks after passing Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as the Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 131-128 in overtime in Toronto. November 29, 2018. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates an offensive foul by Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers in the first half during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 26: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates an offensive foul by Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers in the first half during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /

2. Klay Thompson

I have been saying for months that Klay Thompson is the best natural fit for the Dallas Mavericks, and I still believe that. However, when level of play is included in the equation, I do have one more guy ahead of him. We will talk about that guy in a minute, but let’s talk about Klay first.

Klay is the best 3 and D player in the league, hands down. He is a career 42% three-point shooter, never having an individual season under 40%. He has averaged over 20 points per game over the past five seasons and has really just become a standout player despite limited hype from his time in college.

Klay is not the best defender in the league, but he is almost certainly in the top 10. His ability to guard the other team’s best guard has allowed the Warriors to hide Steph Curry in a lot of ways without consequence. That would be really helpful for the Mavericks to have an elite defender next to Luka game after game.

Dallas would be a good fit for Klay, too, who could take over as the veteran leader for a team on its way up. He has been hidden in the shadow of Steph, KD and Draymond Green for so many years that people don’t think he can be a leader or a go-to guy for a solid team. Dallas would fit that perfectly because he could be the guy while also having an incredible supporting cast around him.

Much like Kevin Durant before, the Mavs shot at Klay is not high. He doesn’t want to leave Golden State and he definitely doesn’t want to leave California. Maybe Dallas can get the right pitch for him, though.