Klay Thompson's quiet sacrifice proves Mavericks would be insane to trade him now

When Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks last offseason, he was fully under the impression that he'd be playing alongside Luka Doncic for years to come. Thompson was excited to play with Doncic, as he watched the 2024 NBA Playoffs and believed he could be the missing piece for the team, but everything changed on February 1 when Dallas shockingly traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis.

One of the main reasons that Thompson signed with the Mavericks disappeared after playing just half of a season together, but Thompson never wavered.

And that's exactly why the Mavericks can't afford to lose him.

Mavericks must keep Thompson for what no stat sheet will ever show

Regardless of the circumstances he's had to deal with in Dallas, he hasn't complained once, and he has become a true Maverick in just one season. During his time with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson spent 14 years in the same spot, experiencing little to no change, a major difference from the last 12 months he's spent in Dallas.

While the end of Thompson's time in the Bay wasn't ideal, and went rougher than Warriors fans would have liked, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest Warriors of all time, on and off the floor. He is now laying the foundation to do this in Dallas, as he has become beloved by fans in just a year.

Despite his role changing, especially after Doncic left, he has kept his mind focused on the task at hand, and he understands that the NBA is a business. Through his long NBA career, he knows that moves can happen when everyone least expects it, and the poise and leadership he brings can't be undermined.

Last season for Dallas, Thompson averaged 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 39.1 percent from downtown, and his 72 games played gave the Mavericks reliability in a season filled with injuries.

Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie were the only players who played more than 70 games last season, and Thompson was one of three players who played more than 60 games. He was truly one of the most valuable players on the roster all season long, and his presence can't be undermined.

Not many star shooters would have been willing to be as adaptable as Thompson was last season, and with Cooper Flagg coming in, they are going to need this same trait to roll into this season. It remains unknown what starting lineup the Mavericks will roll with to begin the season, and it seems like things will come down to Thompson or P.J. Washington starting alongside Flagg, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford.

While Thompson may be the better fit, Jason Kidd and Mark Cuban have been adamant about Flagg playing some guard next season, and this could mean that Flagg starts at the two with Washington at the three. If Thompson's first season in Dallas has shown anything, it's that he's willing to play whatever role Kidd gives him, and this trait is invaluable.

If the Mavericks were to make some sort of trade for an additional playmaker, or even unexpectedly chase another star, they must ensure that Thompson stays out of it. His shooting, leadership, and adaptability will be vital for Dallas moving forward, and with how their roster is constructed, losing him would be a crushing move.