Klay Thompson rumor gifts Mavs an improbable but viable path to Peyton Watson

It's too crazy to be realistic and too intriguing to not at least make a phone call. Unlikely as it may be, the Dallas Mavericks should call the Denver Nuggets and explore whether or not Klay Thompson's expiring contract and a combination of first-round draft picks would be enough to pry Peyton Watson from them.

Mavericks fans shouldn't hold their breaths, but Watson is a dream fit next to Flagg and a player whom Dallas has the unique financial capabilities of taking on at this stage of free agency.

Dallas is equipped with a number of financial tools to ensure it doesn't go over the second apron and thus remains eligible to complete a sign-and-trade. That includes a $20,830,154 trade exception from the Anthony Davis deal, the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $12,044,000, and Thompson's expiring $17,460,317 salary, which could appeal to a Denver team in need of future financial flexibility.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Mavericks are actively looking to trade Thompson's expiring deal after two turbulent seasons with the former All-Star.

"The Mavericks, league sources say, continue to explore Klay Thompson's trade market, showing little interest — to this point — in buying out the four-time champion’s final remaining season ($17.5 million) of a three-year, $50 million deal with Dallas.."

It's unlikely that the Nuggets will jump at this opportunity if they believe they can ultimately pursue Thompson as a buyout candidate, but if Dallas is willing to sweeten the pot with draft compensation, it'd at least be worth considering making a run at Watson.

Klay's expiring deal gives Mavericks reason to dream of Peyton Watson

In terms of why the Mavericks should pursue Watson, it's as simple as fit, timeline, and talent meeting at the perfect point. Watson will turn 24 in September, meaning he fits the timeline along which franchise player Cooper Flagg, who will turn 20 in December, is developing.

As far as what actually transpires on the court, Watson looked the part of an elite 3-and-D player in 2025-26 and has the added benefit of being able to create his own shot.

Watson finished the 2025-26 season with averages of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 1.5 three-point field goals made in 29.6 minutes per game. He did so while shooting the lights out, converting 49.1 percent of his field goals and 41.1 percent of his threes.

Watson also ranked in the 97th percentile in perimeter isolation defense and the 92nd percentile in off-ball chaser defense, per Basketball Index.

Mavericks have the draft picks, financial tools to add Peyton Watson

As an athletic 6'8" wing who can shoot, defend, and dribble, Watson would be a dream fit next to Flagg and 2026 first-round pick Morez Johnson Jr. The question, of course, is how many draft picks—or perhaps which other players—Dallas would be willing to part with in order to convince Denver this sign-and-trade would be worthwhile.

There's reason to believe it's not quite as untenable as it may seem, however, when one considers how the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Walker Kessler.

Los Angeles gave up two unprotected first-round draft picks and two pick swaps in order to land Kessler. It didn't include any outgoing salary, however, which does throw a wrench in Dallas' hypothetical plans. Considering Thompson's postseason pedigree and expiring deal, however, a similar package with him included could appeal to a Nuggets team in need of depth, shooting, and future financial relief.

It's a long shot by every definition, but the Mavericks should at least call the Nuggets and see how viable a sign-and-trade for Watson would be before slamming the door shut on a potentially massive move.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow