Mavericks' growing Klay Thompson dilemma is only getting tougher

The Dallas Mavericks are in a tough spot with Klay Thompson as he finishes up the second season of a three-year deal that he signed in the summer of 2024. A lot has changed about the Mavericks since the time that contract was signed, with Thompson's hot shooting being one of the only constants.

He is one of the few players on the roster who gives Dallas consistent 3-point shooting. He has made 18 threes over his last four games while shooting 43.9 percent from deep on over 10 attempts per game. His ability to knock down threes at a high clip despite high volume is needed for a team that lacks shooting, but there are always two sides to the story.

Why Klay Thompson is no longer a long-term fit in Dallas

Despite Thompson's recent strong shooting, he is in the middle of the worst season of his career. He's averaging a career-low in points, rebounds, and assists per game, along with career-worst marks in field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. This is the first time in his career that he has shot under 40 percent from the field for a season, and nearly $17 million annually for this type of production is a steep price.

This is where the Mavericks meet a complicated crossroads.

The team signalled their trust in Cooper Flagg by trading Anthony Davis to enter a mini-rebuild, and they're on his timeline now. Dallas is all-in on Flagg and the new era, and unfortunately for Thompson, he doesn't fit that timeline.

He will soon enter his 14th season in the NBA as a 36-year-old, and given his age, many of his struggles from this year will carry over to next. Thompson obviously isn't the same defender that he once was, and the lateral quickness, along with the athleticism, should be expected to follow him into the 2026-27 season.

Why the Mavericks may still need Klay Thompson's 3-point shooting

Regardless, though, the shooting is the last thing to go for aging NBA veterans. And that may be why Dallas can't afford to trade him.

Along with Max Christie, Klay Thompson is still one of the best shooters on the team. In a year that the Mavericks make just 10.6 threes per game (second-worst mark in the league) while shooting 34 percent on these shots (third-worst in the NBA), Thompson has been a breath of fresh air.

He and Christie are the only two players on the team who make at least 1.5 threes per game, as Thompson sinks 3.0 3-pointers per game while Christie knocks down 2.4. The next closest player is Khris Middleton, who makes 1.4.

Outside of this group, the only two players who drill at least one shot from 3-point range are Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington, but both players are hovering around 30 percent from downtown. That is not what you want two of your starters shooting from beyond the arc.

Dallas needs as much shooting as they can get around Flagg, given his struggles in that area and relentless drive to get to the bucket, and Thompson at least still gives them spacing and efficient shooting. Even at his age, teams can't leave him open, making the game easier for everyone else with his off-ball gravity.

Inside the Mavericks' looming Klay Thompson decision

The Mavericks have a decision to make with Thompson this summer, as they can either elect to move in and try to get some positive value for him or allow him to finish off his contract in Big D and become a free agent after next season. Milking as much value as they can for him this summer may be a good option, especially since he has played so well recently, but this comes with the risk that Dallas is one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA again.

The Mavericks can't return to the NBA Playoffs next season without fixing their shooting, and Thompson's presence could be a major reason that they can make a resurgence in that area. He has been the definition of a pro since he arrived in Dallas, and even after all of the changes that have gone on over the past year, he's never complained.

This summer will determine if the Mavs bet on Thompson's ability to be a knockdown 3-point shooter again next season, or if they'll sell high (assuming he finishes the season strong). He has given teams a preview of how well he can play when he's at his best as of late, but if you look closely, this season hasn't been sunshine and rainbows for the veteran sharpshooter.