Klay Thompson quietly became the kind of player Mavs fans don’t forget

There are rumors floating around about the Dallas Mavericks potentially looking into trading Klay Thompson. Whether those whispers end up being true or not doesn't change the fact that in battling through some challenging circumstances in the last year-plus, Thompson has absolutely earned the respect of the fanbase.

When Thompson arrived in The Lone Star State, he did so anticipating playing out the twilight of his career alongside a superstar teammate in Luka Doncic. Of course, Cooper Flagg is now the Mavericks' next superstar, but it's fair to say that this is a pretty different situation in Dallas than what Klay likely anticipated coming in.

He was expecting to be playing on a perennial playoff contender, acting as a veteran presence and floor-spacing shooter that could raise the floor for a high-level team led by one of the best talents in the game. Now, he's on a still-talented but injured squad whose new franchise star still has probably a season or two until he reaches the level of being a true game-changer.

Klay Thompson's legacy in Dallas is one of professionalism

While navigating these challenging circumstances of watching the team around you completely change in a matter of months following your arrival, Thompson could have easily decided that he wanted out. He could have let the front office know he wanted a trade, and declined to play until he was sent to his preferred destination.

Instead, Klay did the opposite. He put his head down and continued showing up to work, day after day. That's a very noble gesture considering how much change occurred for him in such a short period of time. Rather than leaning on his resume and demanding change, Klay has embraced his role and continued to bring professionalism and a calming presence to a team desperately needed it.

It's these kind of actions that have made Thompson a beloved figure among the Mavericks' fanbase in short order. Fans are well aware of how hectic their team's situation is, and they know how easy it would have been for Klay to throw in the towel. Watching him refuse to complain and simply keep trying to do what he can for the good of the team has made his legacy in Dallas increase tenfold.

The Mavs may or may not see Klay Thompson as a building block for the future, particularly if they opt to enter into more of a rebuild. But no matter what happens, this fanbase is always going to remember how he chose to carry himself.