DHJ Quick Take: The Veteran Crossroads
- The Timeline Clash: When Klay Thompson signed a 3-year, $50 million contract with Dallas in 2024, it was to play alongside Luka Dončić. Following the blockbuster Anthony Davis–Dončić swap, Dallas has shifted focus to Cooper Flagg. At 37, Thompson’s efficiency (38.3% from 3) is a wasted asset on a roster prioritizing a long-term build over immediate contention.
- The Lakers Reunion: Rejoining Luka Dončić in Los Angeles is the logical conclusion. LeBron James (entering 2026 free agency) and Austin Reaves provide the playmaking, but Thompson’s gravity would offer Dončić the spacing he enjoyed during their brief tenure together in Dallas.
- The Charlotte Connection: The Hornets have found a star in Kon Knueppel, who just broke the NBA rookie record with 273 triples. Adding Thompson would allow Charlotte to run a “continuous-fire” system, keeping elite shooting on the floor for all 48 minutes as they transition from a Play-In team to a legitimate Eastern Conference threat.
- The Orlando Fix: Despite acquiring Desmond Bane in 2025, the Magic still rank near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage (34.3%). Thompson provides an expiring contract and a veteran presence for a young core led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner that is desperate for postseason-ready spacing.
Klay Thompson did not sign up for this. When he joined the Dallas Mavericks, there was no question about their intentions. Luka Dončić was an in-prime MVP candidate. The Mavericks were positioned to compete for the NBA championship.
Nico Harrison infamously had other plans.
It all worked out, but nobody could have anticipated Cooper Flagg‘s arrival. The Mavericks are arguably in a better long-term situation. What good did that do for Thompson, who will be 37 in the middle of next season? He’s not positioned to be concerned about the team’s half-decade outlook when he is facing limited time left in the NBA.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 69 games for Dallas this season.
Here are three teams he could finish out his career with.
Los Angeles Lakers
If Thompson wanted to play with Dončić, it isn’t too late.
Let it be said that he’s still an ideal fit alongside a high-usage playmaker. Thompson hit 38.3% of his triples this season. That’s a strong number, but it doesn’t fully reflect his three-point gravity. Opposing defenses know they have to scramble to cover Thompson’s shots.
If the Los Angeles Lakers intend to keep Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, Thompson’s presence would allow them to stagger their star playmakers. If James is walking, Thompson could even start alongside the two remaining stars. In either case, a sharpshooter like Thompson would be a quality addition to the team that ultimately landed Dončić.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets don’t need Thompson, per se. They may have his spiritual successor in Kon Knueppel.
Yet, that’s exactly why they’d want Thompson.
Sometimes, it’s wise for an NBA team to replicate what’s working with their starting lineup with their second unit. By acquiring Thompson, the Hornets could keep comparable three-point gravity on the floor for 48 minutes per game. Both Thompson and Knueppel are positionally versatile enough to share the floor at times as well.
This is about leaning into an identity. The Hornets are already one of the best shooting teams in the NBA.
By contrast, this next team needs some shooting.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic thought they covered that issue by acquiring Desmond Bane. It seems that wasn’t enough. Bane hit 39.1% of his 5.2 triples per contest, but Orlando still made just 34.3% of their threes as a team, 27th in the NBA.
What other solution is there but to add another shooter? Fans have suggested that Orlando could look to move one of Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner. Perhaps they’ll consider that route, but they’d likely opt for less drastic measures first, especially after testing the Detroit Pistons in the first round. Adding Thompson feels like a more sensible fix.
If it doesn’t work, he’s on an expiring contract, and the Magic can reconsider their options next summer. Sometimes, NBA decisions just don’t work out. Ask Thompson if you don’t believe it.
More Mavericks & NBA Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel: When & How To Watch Rookie Of The Year Announcement
- Lightning Or Logic? Breaking Down The Dallas Mavericks’ 28.9% Chance At A Top-4 Pick
- ‘Taking The Torch’: Ryan Nembhard Sets Franchise Assist Record As Dallas Mavericks End Season With 149-128 Win Over Chicago Bulls
- ‘That’s What Paul Silas Did For Me’: LeBron James Draws Parallel Between His Rookie Role And Cooper Flagg’s
- ‘He Will Be Unstoppable’: Cooper Flagg’s Three-Point Statement Gives Blueprint For NBA Dominance
- ‘They’re Very Similar’: Jason Kidd Breaks Down The LeBron James Parallels For Cooper Flagg
