2024-25 Dallas Mavericks: A quick preview

Led by perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic and eight-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks are poised as serious contenders this season. With improved depth, they look even more dangerous than the last time around. By shedding $29 …

Led by perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic and eight-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks are poised as serious contenders this season. With improved depth, they look even more dangerous than the last time around.

By shedding $29 million in salary from Tim Hardaway Jr and Josh Green, general manager Nico Harrison was able to add key pieces like Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall, ensuring Dallas remains an offensive powerhouse. Thompson, one of the game’s greatest shooters, joins Doncic and Irving to form a potentially lethal offensive trio. The floor spacing from Thompson and Irving will make it difficult for defenses to double-team Doncic without leaving open shooters.

Defensively, after acquiring Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington Jr., the Mavericks showed they could be a top defensive unit. Last year’s rookie standout Dereck Lively II, who impressed in the playoffs, and Marshall, replacing Derrick Jones Jr., will play key roles in maintaining a balanced attack on both ends of the court. With a strong core and key additions, Dallas is prepared for another deep playoff run and a legitimate championship push.

Klay Thompson to wear No. 31 with Dallas Mavericks

The former Warrior will wear a new number with the Dallas Mavericks.

During his 13-season run with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson became synonymous with the No. 11. Thompson won four championships while wearing No. 11 and turned it into a legendary jersey number in Bay Area sports history. The Warriors have already committed to retiring No. 11 with the organization in the future.

However, with the longtime Golden State sharpshooter set to join the Dallas Mavericks, he will be in-line for not only a new jersey, but a new number as well. Thompson’s new teammate, Kyrie Irving, has worn No. 11 since he was traded to Dallas in 2023.

When he was officially introduced as a new member of the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, Thompson held up his new jersey with his new number — No. 31.

Via @dallasmavs on Twitter:

During his introductory press conference in Dallas, Thompson explained why he chose No. 31. Thompson mentioned players like Jason Terry and Reggie Miller as other great players to wear No. 31.

Via @BallySportsSW on Twitter:

Only nine players in Mavericks’ history have worn No. 31 with the last one being Terry in 2012. Nick Van Exel also wore No. 31 during his time with the Mavericks.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Report: Klay Thompson signing with Mavericks as part of multi-team sign-and-trade

The franchise legend is reportedly signing with the Dallas Mavericks as part of a multi-team sign-and trade.

After multiple reports have indicated the Golden State Warriors and Klay Thompson were preparing to part ways following a legendary run that included four championships, the 34-year-old sharpshooter is reportedly heading to Dallas to join the defending Western Conference champions.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Thompson is planning to sign a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks as part of a multi-team sign-and-trade that will include the Charlotte Hornets. The Mavericks are trading Josh Green to the Hornets as a part of the deal, per Wojnarowski.

Via @wojespn on Twitter

Alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Thompson was a core piece of Golden State’s dynastic run. Thompson served as one of Golden State’s “Splash Brothers” next to Curry, reigning down 3-pointers on the way to multiple NBA Finals appearances and four championships.

After he was drafted by the Warriors in 2011 out of Washington State in the first round, Thompson played the next 13 seasons in the Bay Area (missing two seasons due to injury). During his time with the Warriors, Thompson made five appearances in the All-Star game and earned spots on two All-NBA teams.

In 11 seasons, Thompson averaged 19.6 points per game on 45.3% shooting from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc. Thompson made 200 or more 3-pointers in 11 seasons, including a league-best 301 in 2022-23. Thompson trails on Steph Curry on Golden State’s all-time made 3-pointer list.

Thompson will now join Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the team that represented the Western Conference in the NBA Finals last season.

The remaining details of the sign-and-trade, including Golden State’s side of the deal have yet to be released.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Report: Lakers, Mavericks and Clippers expected suitors for Klay Thompson

A trio of teams have reportedly emerged as strong suitors for Klay Thompson in free agency.

After 13 season, Klay Thompson’s time as a member of the Golden State Warriors appears to be coming to an end. On Sunday when the four-time NBA champ is set to become a free agent, the Warriors and Thompson are reportedly bracing for the end of an era.

As the Warriors and Thompson reportedly prepare to part ways, teams are beginning to emerge as suitors for the former All-Star guard. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are expected to be “strong suitors” for Thompson.

While the Lakers, Clippers and Mavericks are reportedly strong suitors, other teams with salary cap space are expected to show interest in Thompson as well, per Charania.

Via The Athletic:

The Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and Dallas Mavericks are expected to be among strong suitors for Thompson, according to league sources. Multiple teams with salary cap space are expected to show interest in Thompson as well.

Read Charania’s full story via The Athletic here.

In 2023-24 Thompson played 77 games, averaging 17.9 points on 43.2% shooting from the floor and 38.7% from beyond the arc. For the first time in his career, Thompson came off the bench for the Warriors last season.

Free agency is set to begin at 3 p.m. PT on Sunday afternoon.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Report: Klay Thompson and Warriors preparing to part ways in free agency

Klay Thompson and the Warriors are reportedly preparing to part ways.

The start of free agency on Sunday could mark the end of an era for the Golden State Warriors. As Klay Thompson is preparing to become on unrestricted free agent, the Warriors are reportedly bracing for the end of an era.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Warriors are preparing to lose Thompson in free agency. Thompson could be the first member of Golden State’s legendary trio, which also includes Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, to leave the franchise after winning four championships together in the Bay Area.

Via @ShamsCharania on Twitter:

Since being drafted out of Washington State in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft, Thompson has spent his entire 11 career with the Warriors. During his campaign, Thompson has been responsible for a flurry of legendary moments on and off the court, including championships, All-Star games, signing toasters, barrages of 3-pointers and clutch performances in different playoff games.

During his 11-year run with the Warriors, Thompson averaged 19.6 points per game on 45.3% shooting from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc. Thompson is second to only behind Curry in Golden State’s franchise 3-point field goals. Thompson ranks in the top 10 of multiple categories of the franchise record books.

Thompson is coming off an up and down season in 2023-24 where he came off the bench for the first time in his career. Thompson played 77 games, averaging 17.9 points on 43.2% shooting from the field and 38.7% from deep.

Free agency is set to begin on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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The Mavericks could draft Bronny James before the Lakers

Could the Mavs be a fly in the NBA draft ointment for LeBron and the Lakers?

Stephen A. Smith says he thinks the Dallas Mavericks might pick Bronny James in the 2024 NBA draft. The pick would take place within a larger effort to run back the LeBron James-Kyrie Irving duo from the Cleveland Cavaliers. One wonders how credible a possibility this is. If it has some truth and validity, and if the Dallas franchise is truly considering this move as a potential option on draft night, it could have significant implications for the Lakers and LeBron James.

What is being said in public and what is being privately felt are often two very different things. One can appreciate the sensitive nature of this situation for Bronny James and LeBron James, who obviously would love to play for each other but might not be able to align their full wishes with the reality that Bronny still has a lot of work to do in order to become a strong, productive NBA player. Bronny could be good, but he’s not a “money in the bank” sure thing, at least not at this point. NBA teams should want a higher likelihood of success in a draft pick. Bronny might not be able to provide that. Hence, we could see a team such as the Mavericks take a flier on Bronny and deny the Lakers a chance to draft him.

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Patrick Mahomes congratulates Kyrie Irving on incredible game-winning shot vs. Nuggets

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes applauded Mavericks G Kyrie Irving for his game-winning shot against the Nuggets.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes were on the move again this past weekend. After their appearance on Saturday, opening day at the brand-new CPKC Stadium, home of their NWSL franchise, Kansas City Current, the couple attended Sunday’s Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets game.

The nationally televised NBA matchup had the world tuning in to see the Mahomes family walk in and sit courtside to take in the showcased matchup. Patrick is a well-noted fan of the Mavericks, who represent his hometown, so he’s made several appearances in the past, but this game had a unique finish no one could predict.

Dallas star Kyrie Irving converted a remarkable shot with his non-dominant left hand at the buzzer to seal the victory over the Nuggets. The improbable make sent the arena into a frenzy as the hometown team left the court. On the way to the locker room, Irving was greeted by Mahomes as the two exchanged handshakes.

“Greatness, Dawg, Greatness,” said Mahomes, who was also active on his social media account reposting the game-winning highlight shot.

The old saying of real recognizes real was in full effect as the two superstars of their respective sports embraced each other. The Mahomes family is enjoying their offseason and sharing it with the world as Patrick made sure to leave Mavericks All-Star guard Luka Dončić with a signed Chiefs jersey.

Report: Pacers and Mavericks expressing interest in Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins

With the trade deadline looming, a pair of teams have reportedly expressed interest in Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins.

With the deadline around the corner, trade news is beginning to buzz around the NBA. While many names have been linked to the Golden State Warriors as potential additions, Andrew Wiggins’ name has been mentioned in different rumors as a player that could be leaving the Bay Area.

On a recent edition of Fan Duel’s “Run It Back” show, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that two teams are expressing interest in the Warriors forward. According to Charania, the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers have expressed interest in Wiggins.

Via @RunItBackFDTV on Twitter:

Wiggins has struggled during the 2023-24 season, averaging a career-low 12.2 points on 43.7% shooting from the field with 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Through five seasons with the Warriors, Wiggins has averaged 16.8 points on 46.6% shooting from the floor with 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 31.6 minutes per game. Wiggins was a key piece in Golden State’s championship run in 2022, earning an All-Star starter bid along the way.

The NBA trade deadline is set for Thursday, Feb. 8 at 12 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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NBA Twitter reacts to Luka Doncic’s 73-point game vs. Hawks: ‘Somebody will score 100 before the season is over’

Here’s how NBA Twitter reacted to Luka Doncic’s 73-point game vs. the Atlanta Hawks.

Luka Doncic went off. Yes, he really went off. Dallas’ superstar put up a career-high and NBA season-high 73 points in the Mavericks’ 148-143 win over the Hawks in Atlanta.

Doncic became the fourth player in NBA history to score 73 points in a single game.

Here’s how NBA Twitter, including fans, players, and media members reacted to his historic performance.

NBA Twitter reacts to Devin Booker’s 46-point game vs. Luka Doncic’s Mavs: ‘Best player rivalry in the league’

Here’s how NBA Twitter reacted to Devin Booker’s 46-point night against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks.

The Phoenix Suns are currently on a roll. After beating the Mavericks in Dallas 132-109, behind Devin Booker’s 46-point game, they extended their winning streak to seven games.

Book put up 46 points and seven rebounds on a super-efficient 74 percent from the field against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. He even outscored the Mavs 22-20 in the third quarter alone.

Here’s how NBA Twitter reacted to his performance.