The NBA trade deadline is just 18 days away on February 5, 2026, and the Dallas Mavericks are staring down a major crossroads. Sitting at a disappointing 13-23 record (12th in the Western Conference), well out of playoff contention, Dallas appears poised to become one of the league’s big sellers. With high-priced veterans like Klay Thompson ($16.7M this season, $17.4M next), Daniel Gafford, and others not delivering the wins needed amid injuries and inconsistencies, the front office is eyeing a retool around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg (the 2025 draft sensation who’s already flashing elite defensive versatility as a rookie) and building long-term assets like draft capital.
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson
One of the hottest names in trade buzz? Klay Thompson, the future Hall of Famer who started slow in Dallas but has heated up since December, showcasing the elite shooting that made him a four-time champion with the Warriors. Recently, he erupted for a season-high 26 points (10-18 FG, 6-13 3PT) in a blowout win over the Utah Jazz on January 15, even climbing to fourth all-time in career three-pointers made. At 35, his production (around 11.3 PPG, 36.6% from three in limited minutes) is solid, but the salary and the Mavs’ timeline make him a prime trade candidate. He deserves one last shot at contending, and sentiment points to a poetic return home.
Enter Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, who dropped a intriguing three-team proposal that reunites Thompson with the Golden State Warriors—the franchise where he won four rings as part of the dynasty with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
The proposed trade:
Dallas Mavericks receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Georges Niang
Golden State Warriors receive: Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford
Utah Jazz receive: Buddy Hield, 2027 first-round pick swap (via GSW)
Nov 12, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Why Dallas says yes: This is all about youth, flexibility, and aligning with Flagg’s timeline. Kuminga (23, athletic wing with upside, team option for 2026-27) brings high-potential talent the Mavs can develop or flip if needed. Niang adds a veteran shooter on an expiring deal (~$8-9M), giving Dallas ~$30.7M in expiring contracts this summer for cap relief. While no draft picks come back directly (a downside, as Gafford has solid league-wide interest), reports indicate Dallas has genuine interest in Kuminga as a young swingman with All-Star potential. If he thrives in a less rigid system (away from Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy offense), great; if not, the option provides an easy exit. With Anthony Davis’ extension looking unlikely due to injuries, this accelerates the pivot to a younger core.
Why the Warriors say yes: Nostalgia meets need. Bringing back Thompson for the “Splash Brothers” reunion scratches the sentimental itch as Curry, Green, and now Klay’s contracts wind down post-2026-27. At his current level, he still provides elite spacing and veteran leadership. Adding Gafford (reliable rim protector, athletic big) addresses frontcourt depth, giving them a more dynamic interior presence alongside Green. It’s a win-now tweak for a contending team chasing one more ring in the core’s twilight.
Why the Jazz say yes: Utah plays facilitator role perfectly—taking on Hield (a proven shooter with only $3M guaranteed next season) while snagging a 2027 pick swap from the Warriors. If Golden State fades with an aging roster, Utah could flip the swap into real value. It’s low-risk, high-reward for a rebuilding team.
Reality check: This deal has buzz—multiple reports link Dallas to Kuminga amid his strained fit in Golden State (bench role, tensions with Kerr)—but hurdles exist. Salaries match closely for tax teams, but the Warriors’ apron constraints and Dallas’ desire for more picks could complicate things. Thompson’s recent hot streak (climbing all-time lists) might make him harder to move, and Gafford’s value as a defensive anchor could push for better returns. Still, with the deadline heating up, this three-teamer solves multiple problems: Kuminga’s unhappiness, Dallas’ timeline shift, and Golden State’s need for shooting/big help.
Mavs fans, this could be the first domino in a full retool. Trading Klay home while grabbing Kuminga offers upside without fully tanking. Whether it happens or not, the clock is ticking—Dallas must decide if they’re sellers or fighters. The future with Flagg is bright; the question is how fast they get there. What do you think, MFFL—pull the trigger?