Rumors: Mavericks' star free agency target 'open' to testing waters

The Dallas Mavericks just wrapped up their best season in recent memory as they were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals.

Dallas fought hard and got a win in Game 4, but there is plenty of work to do if they want to return to the Finals next year. There were plenty of mistakes that plagued their Finals series, and free agency is the perfect time for them to get better.

Dallas' lack of a third scorer and not having a knockdown shooter hurt them, and the perfect option to fill this hole could be someone the Mavs consider.

Klay Thompson is 'open' to testing waters in free agency

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Thompson is "open to all external options in free agency coming up." The Mavs were linked to Thompson a couple of months ago, and for the first time in his career, Thompson is going to test the open waters.

Thompson has been loyal to the Golden State Warriors for his entire career, and him being open to finally leaving could give the Mavs a great opportunity to make a run at him. He wouldn't be cheap, and the Mavs would likely have to acquire him through a sign and trade, but he would be an outstanding fit.

Last season for Golden State, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.6 steals per game while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from downtown. This was a down season for Thompson, but he would still be a good third option in Dallas.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would create plenty of open looks for him, he is a good defender, and a great locker-room presence. Thompson knows how to win on the biggest stage as evidenced by his four NBA Championships, and he could be the key to Dallas making another deep playoff run next season.

He would immediately step in and be their third scorer, and the Mavs are among the favorites to sign him.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, stay tuned.