Mavericks stuck in touchy Klay Thompson problem that may come back to bite them

The Dallas Mavericks added Klay Thompson during the 2024 free agency period after a lack of shot creation and reliable shooting caused them to lose the 2024 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics. Adding Thompson was a move every fan was on board with, and while his final game with the Golden State Warriors was one of his worst performances ever after shooting 0/10 in a play-in game, everyone knew Thompson would be great in Dallas.

Not only would Thompson instantly add an arc of shooting and three-level shot creation that this team just didn't have before landing him in a sign-and-trade, but his impact would make the Mavericks instant contenders until the team traded away Luka Doncic. Trading away Doncic on such short notice not only stripped Dallas of its identity, but almost every player had to shift their roles and mindsets to keep the Mavericks competitive.

Now, as we look to the future, the Mavericks still need plenty of shooting in their starting five, which Thompson can cover; however, the Mavs have such a need for defense at the point of attack, and Thompson's age may limit Dallas in what they can do in the starting unit.

Klay Thompson may need to swallow his pride and come off the bench

There's no doubt that Thompson still has what it takes to be a sure-fire starter for the Mavericks on both ends of the floor, but that's not to say that there may be better options for Thompson and Dallas if he comes off the bench. While it might seem like a bad problem to have, the reality of Dallas' situation is that they have too many players who are capable of starting all 82 regular-season games, but it could mean bumping Thompson down to the bench.

P.J. Washington has long been a name worth a starting spot in the Mavericks' rotation, and now with Cooper Flagg on the roster and Jason Kidd committing to the double-big starting five, it likely means Washington will be forced to come off the bench. While starting Washington in favor of Thompson does make a little sense, the Mavericks would be taking a step back offensively.

Not only would the Mavericks be taking a step back in terms of floor spacing in their starting unit, but Thompson has had a history of not liking the idea of coming off the bench. During his final season in the Bay Area, Thompson was forced to the bench in favor of Brandin Podziemski, and while this was a move that worked out in favor of the Warriors, Thompson was turned off by the idea, and this was part of the reason why he left Golden State in favor of the Mavericks as he felt disrespected.

Now, at the age of 35, Thompson has very little bargaining power left, but there's no doubt that the Mavericks do need him. While it might not be as a starter, Thompson would be one of the first two names off the bench, where he could have even more of an impact.

Thompson is still one of Dallas' most valuable players, especially after proving he can put his postseason demons to rest last season against the Sacramento Kings. Still, the reality of the Mavericks' situation is that at some point next season, Thompson's best role would be off the bench.

Not only could the Mavericks have more opportunity to develop a potential fifth starter like Washington or even Max Christie, but Thompson's age would likely limit the Mavericks defensively. By no means is this Thompson's fault, but as currently constructed, Dallas would be relying on a 35-year-old Thompson and D'Angelo Russell to carry the bulk of their backcourt defense, which would instantly be a recipe for disaster.