Mavericks have new hope for a win-win Klay Thompson trade after latest update

Not much has changed on the Klay Thompson front, but that's not necessarily a bad thing for the Dallas Mavericks. With 16 players on standard contracts, Dallas still needs to part ways with a player to get down to the maximum of 15, and just by looking at the roster, the 36-year-old Thompson feels like the most plausible casualty.

However, as initially reported by Marc Stein and recently reiterated, the Mavericks are not interested in flat-out waiving Thompson (subscription required). Instead, they prefer to find the veteran sharpshooter a new team via trade.

Stein wrote, "Miami and other teams are certainly hoping Thompson becomes a free agent by securing a buyout from Dallas, but the Mavericks — to this point — have indicated that they prefer to trade the four-time champion sharpshooter if possible."

The fact that other teams are now showing interest in Thompson is great news for Dallas, and it gives them hope of making a deal. Miami had been the only team interested in the veteran wing recently, and new teams joining the mix change things. If they can trade him, it could create a win-win outcome for both sides: Thompson potentially would get a chance to compete for another championship, while Dallas recoups value for a player who may no longer fit its long-term plans.

Klay Thompson remains the type of veteran contenders covet

Of course, there's more to it than just assuming Thompson will be competing for a championship if he's traded.

First things first, Dallas would need to find a contender willing to trade for the veteran (hello, Miami). But conversely, it's 36-year-old Klay Thompson we're talking about. The five-time All-Star is exactly the type of player contenders look to add at this stage of his career. He's a more-than-proven shooter with championship experience and someone who can still provide valuable minutes as a starter or off the bench.

Not only is Thompson an elite role player at this stage of his career — one whose off-ball gravitational pull is a necessity alongside any of the league's superstars — he's battle-tested, and that's saying it lightly. He's Odysseus-level battle-tested. Thompson has appeared in, and started, 158 career playoff games and has scored over 3,000 points in the postseason. He's 30th all-time in playoff scoring, for crying out loud.

Thus, after 13 years of accolades and championship success, Thompson's timeline doesn't align with a Mavericks team still trying to establish its identity. He may no longer be the second or third option he was during Golden State's dynasty, but he's still the type of veteran contenders covet. Landing with a team chasing a championship would be a win for Thompson.

Mavericks can win by moving on from Thompson

However, this would also be a win for the Mavericks.

No, losing Thompson wouldn't be ideal for Dallas. The Mavericks need all the shooting they can get, especially after making the 29th-most 3-pointers in the league this past season. Yet, as mentioned above, the 36-year-old doesn't exactly fit Dallas' timeline. The Mavericks brought Thompson in to flank Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, but those days are long gone. While Irving is still around, the Mavericks are a much different team than the one Thompson signed with.

Consequently, if Dallas can move off a player who is no longer aligned with its timeline while recouping some value in return, it'd be a major win for the Mavericks.

Typically, when a 36-year-old veteran is part of a burgeoning roster, a buyout is the first outcome that comes to mind. But with the Miami Heat on the prowl and various other teams reportedly interested, a trade has become the likeliest path forward, and it would benefit all parties involved.

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