Mavericks finalize Klay Thompson acquisition in historic 6-team trade

The Dallas Mavericks have been busy this offseason, making a number of key trades and signings that could help them navigate their way through the 2024-25 season. Dallas made some of its latest moves official on Saturday night.

The team announced yesterday that it has acquired five-time All-Star Klay Thompson and a future second-round draft pick in a six-team sign-and-trade deal, according to Mavericks PR. Dallas sent Josh Green and a future second-round draft pick in exchange for Thompson.

The first six-team trade in NBA history involved the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 7e6rs.

Dallas also announced that Thompson will wear No. 31 with the Mavericks. Thompson wore No. 11 with the Golden State Warriors.

The deal was previously announced but became official Saturday night. The Mavericks also made a few other moves official that have been reported recently. They include signing Naji Marshall and the Tim Hardaway Jr.-Quentin Grimes trade.

Thompson played a key role in Golden State’s four championships during his time with the team, flashing impressive three-point shooting skills that were lethal when playing with Steph Curry. Now, the Mavericks are hoping that same three-point shooting ability can help them win a championship.

Mavericks Welcome Klay Thompson to Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks are thrilled to have Klay Thompson join the team.

“We are excited to have Klay join us in Dallas,” Mavericks president of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison said in a statement. “As one of the league’s top scorers who competes on both ends of the floor, we believe Klay is a great fit for our team. He adds a strong, experienced, veteran voice that will help us continue to build on the success we have had in recent years.

“Klay’s championship experience, strong playmaking and calm demeanor under pressure exemplify what it takes to win in the NBA at the highest level. He will help us continue to grow toward our goal of winning another championship.”

Klay Thompson may be in the second half of his career, but he’s still a huge asset for Dallas. The 34-year-old has been solid in 2023-24, averaging 17.9 points per game on 43.2 percent shooting. Thompson has also shot 38.7 percent from three and averaged 29.7 minutes per game. That’s more than enough to be a threat alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews, Thompson’s slump in Golden State may have been due to off-court distractions.

“Thompson felt slighted, sources say, because the team didn’t offer him an extension the summer after winning the (2021) title,” Shelburne and Andrews wrote. “That feeling only deepened the following summer when Golden State was willing to discuss only two-year contracts in the $23 million to $24 million range rather than match the four-year, $100 million deal that (Draymond) Green received.”

Thompson reportedly did little to hide his feelings and became difficult to manage in the locker room. He also had “some emotional encounters” with coach Steve Kerr, which was not his normal behavior.

The Dallas Mavericks believe that giving Thompson a fully guaranteed, three-year, $50 million contract will put him in a good mood. We’ll find out for sure this fall.