Klay Thompson’s time with the Dallas Mavericks is officially hitting the rocks, folks. After just two seasons, it looks like the four-time NBA champion’s stint in Dallas is coming to an abrupt end, especially after a 2026 season where his stats absolutely plummeted. This wasn’t the comeback story anyone expected.
The Dallas Fizzle Out
Let’s be real, last season was a tough watch for anyone who remembers the Klay Thompson of old. The guy appeared in 69 games, which isn’t terrible, but get this: he started a grand total of eight. Eight! For a player of his caliber, that’s wild. He averaged career-lows across the board, and we’re not talking minor dips. His scoring bottomed out at a measly 11.7 points per game. His shooting percentages, once his trademark, were a brutal 39.3% from the field and only 38.3% from beyond the arc. Even his free throw game wasn’t what it used to be, hitting just 76.6%. On top of that, he was only pulling down 2.1 rebounds, dishing out 1.4 assists, and playing just 21.7 minutes a night. At 36 years old, it’s a harsh reminder of how quickly things can change in this league.
A $17.5 Million Question Mark
So, what’s the plan for Dallas with a 36-year-old sharpshooter who just had his worst year? Thompson still has one year remaining on his three-year, $50 million contract, a deal he signed when he joined the Mavericks in July 2024 via a big six-team trade. That means Dallas still owes him a significant $17.5 million. The Mavericks essentially have two options here. They could try to trade him, but after a season of career-lows, it’s a massive risk for any team to give up valuable assets for him. Who’s making that move? The other path, which seems far more likely given the situation, is a contract buyout. If that happens, Thompson would instantly become a free agent, giving him total control to pick his next destination. He’d get to choose where he wants to restart.
The Call Home
When you look at potential landing spots, one name is being floated by USA TODAY Sports’ NBA reporter Lorenzo Reyes, and it just makes so much sense: a return to either the Golden State Warriors or the Los Angeles Lakers. Think about it. Thompson spent his entire first 13 seasons, his championship years, with the Warriors. Going back there, or to a team like the Lakers, would give him a chance to finish his career in familiar territory, close to “home.” Both options offer him a sense of legacy and comfort as he navigates this next, crucial stage of his journey.
This isn’t just another contract dispute. This is about one of the greatest shooters ever trying to find his footing again. Whether Dallas finds a trade partner, or opts for a buyout that lets him choose his future, Klay Thompson’s next move is going to be one of the biggest stories this offseason. You know we’ll be watching every single update to see where this legend lands next!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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