The Golden State Warriors could lose Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in what would be a nightmare scenario for the franchise. Thompson would immediately upgrade Dallas’ roster and help them build on a team that went to the NBA Finals this past season. Thompson will hit the unrestricted free agent market on Sunday (June 30.)
According to a report by Marc Stein via his Steinline newsletter, the Mavericks trade of Tim Hardaway Jr. has given the franchise the cap space and flexibility to extend a competitive offer to Thompson once free agency opens.
“The Mavericks had to surrender three future second-round picks in the swap to get the Pistons’ assistance, but the trade is expected to create sufficient flexibility for Dallas to extend a multiyear offer to Thompson that can compete with other suitors,” Stein reported. “If there is no 11th-hour rebound from the Warriors with Thompson and if the Mavericks successfully secure his free agent commitment after the marketplace officially opens Sunday at 6 PM ET, it is not immediately clear if a sign-and-trade could be negotiated.”
The Warriors front office has yet to begin legitimate negotiations with Thompson. As such, he may feel now is the right time to leave the franchise in search of a consistent role and the opportunity to continue contending at the top end of the NBA.
Dallas would provide Thompson with a clear-cut spot in their rotation with a well-defined role. He would also be joining a team that is a few moves away from being a legitimate championship contender. Still, it’s unclear whether Thompson would jump to a conference rival and go head-to-head with Golden State. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long to find out.
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