Mavericks vindicated for shopping Klay Thompson as replacement shines

Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Klay Thompson has been in trade rumors recently, but the fact that Max Christie is playing so well proves that the Mavs could comfortably move on from him if they'd like. Thompson came to Dallas to play with Luka Doncic while contending for a title, and now that both of those things are gone or looking like a long shot, Christie is waiting for his time to shine.

While Thompson has played much better recently, as he is averaging nearly 15 points per game over the last seven games while shooting just under 46 percent from downtown, Christie is clearly ready to take his spot if given the chance.

The Mavericks have already benched Thompson in favor of Christie, and moving on from Thompson would help expand Christie's game even more.

Max Christie is ready to replace Klay Thompson

This season for Dallas, Christie is averaging a career-high 11.8 points per game while shooting 46.6 percent from downtown, and he is looking like the next young star for the Mavericks. His improvement as a ball handler, driver, and secondary playmaker has made him someone whom Jason Kidd can rely upon in any situation, and his work with assistant coach Phil Handy is definitely paying off.

Before every game, Christie goes through an on-court workout with Handy that includes plenty of off-the-dribble shooting and attacking off a hand-off, and his game is growing in front of everyone's eyes. He is turning into much more than just a shooter, and his reunion with Handy after spending time together with the Los Angeles Lakers has helped turn him into a Swiss army knife, thanks to his improved versatility.

Over the last 10 months, Christie has had the chance to learn behind one of the best catch-and-shoot players of all time in Thompson, and if they do move on from him, no one will bat an eye. Thompson's leadership, electric 3-point shooting, and status will undoubtedly be missed in Dallas, but fans could at least understand that it may be for the best.

Thompson wants to win his fifth ring, and plainly, that doesn't seem like that will be happening in Dallas anytime soon. He still has another year on his contract after this season, and giving him a fresh start may be what's best.

His time in Dallas has been filled with ups and downs, but they're at least totally justified in looking for a new home for him. He no longer fits their timeline, and Christie is ready to step into the spotlight. Christie's continuous development since becoming a member of the Mavericks has turned him into a fan-favorite, and he has been a silver lining that fans have grasped onto from the Luka Doncic trade.

With Anthony Davis missing significant time over the last 10 months after being traded to the Mavericks, fans fell in love with Christie's game. He was one of the few bright spots on the team at the end of last season, and his game continues to shine brighter by the game.

If the Dallas Mavericks do indeed act on the Klay Thompson rumors and trade him to a contender, it would make perfect sense. Max Christie has proven that he is ready to replace him as soon as they allow him to, and he has quietly become a franchise cornerstone in D-Town with his consistent shooting, strong wing defense, and humble demeanor. He is the definition of a team-first player, and Mavs fans could see an even more dominant version of him if they move on from Thompson.