10 Reasons the Dallas Mavericks aced the Klay Thompson sign-and-trade

3. Mavericks needed a third scorer

The Mavs are led by elite scorers Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. At the conclusion of last season, the Mavs didn't have anybody else on their roster who averaged over 15 points per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. was the third leading scorer who averaged 14.4 points per game. With Klay Thompson now signed, the Mavs will no longer have to worry about finding a third scorer.

Last season, Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game which was second on the Warriors behind Stephen Curry. In his career, Thompson has averaged 19.6 points per game. In seven seasons, Thompson averaged at least 20 points per game. Thompson provides the ability to be the Mavs' third scorer on the team.

In the 2024 Playoffs, the Mavs desperately could've used a third scorer. There were games where the Mavs didn't know which player would take a bigger role and score. P.J. Washington was the only other Maverick other than Doncic and Irving who averaged at least 10 points per game. A third scorer during the Playoffs is always needed and Thompson will have the ability to be a third scorer.

Even when Thompson played alongside Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and Kevin Durant, Thompson was always able to be a productive scorer. With two superstars with Doncic and Irving, Thompson can be the clear third scorer on the Mavs roster.