The Dallas Mavericks are officially in rebuild mode after trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards ahead of the February 5, 2026, NBA trade deadline. With Cooper Flagg (No. 1 overall pick) now the cornerstone, Dallas is prioritizing youth, future assets, and long-term flexibility over win-now veterans.
One of the most logical remaining moves before the deadline closes (or in the buyout/offseason window) is moving Klay Thompson — and the Houston Rockets emerge as the most natural, high-impact landing spot.
Jan 24, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) runs back up the court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at the American Airlines Center.
Proposed Midseason Mock Trade
Dallas Mavericks receive:
C Steven AdamsF Jeff Green2027 second-round pick (via MEM)
Houston Rockets receive:
SG/SF Klay Thompson2032 second-round pick (via DAL)
Why This Trade Makes Sense for Dallas
The Mavericks are no longer chasing contention in 2025-26 (19-31 record, 12th in the West). Thompson (36 years old, expiring $50M contract after this season) does not fit the new timeline built around Flagg and whatever young pieces they accumulate.
In return, Dallas gets:
Steven Adams — veteran presence, elite rebounding/screen-setting (though currently sidelined for the season). His $14M expiring deal can be flipped again in the offseason if needed.Jeff Green — expiring contract ($2.8M), leadership, and locker-room glue.A future second-rounder — modest asset, but it aligns with a youth-focused rebuild.
This move clears cap space, adds draft capital, and removes a high-salary veteran who no longer fits the long-term vision.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for Houston
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, Fantasy Basketball
The Rockets (31-18, No. 4 in the West) are legitimate title contenders in the Durant era. They already boast elite defense and inside scoring (Şengün, Thompson, Smith Jr.), but perimeter shooting and veteran shooting reliability remain question marks — especially with Amen Thompson struggling from three and the playoffs demanding consistent outside threats.
Klay Thompson addresses that need perfectly:
Career 41.3% 3PT shooter — still elite off the catch (37.9% this season).Proven playoff performer (four rings, countless clutch playoff performances).Size (6’6″) and defensive effort — a clear upgrade over smaller guards like Reed Sheppard on that end.Reunites with Kevin Durant — former Warriors teammate chemistry that could unlock easy pick-and-pop/spacing looks.
Houston gives up expiring salary (Adams — out for the year anyway) and a non-core veteran (Green), plus a distant second-rounder. The cost is minimal for a proven difference-maker who can help them win now.
Fantasy Basketball Impact
Klay Thompson → Clear winner in fantasy. Moves to a high-volume contender with elite spacing (Durant, Şengün inside). Expect his minutes, usage, and 3PT volume to rise — boosting points, threes, and efficiency. Could jump from fringe roster streamer to must-start category contributor in playoffs.
Steven Adams & Jeff Green → Minimal fantasy impact. Both on expiring deals and likely limited roles (Adams injured, Green veteran depth). Green could see spot minutes but remains a low-end streamer at best.
This is a win-win deadline (or buyout/offseason) move:
Dallas sheds salary, gains future assets, and fully embraces the Flagg rebuild.Houston adds a proven, championship-caliber shooter who fits perfectly next to Durant — at minimal cost.
The Rockets could instantly become one of the scariest playoff teams in the West. The Mavericks get breathing room to build properly around their generational rookie.
Rockets fans: Would Klay Thompson be the missing piece for a deep playoff run? Mavericks fans: Smart to move on from Klay now, or would you rather keep him for veteran leadership? Drop your takes below — deadline day is chaos, but this feels like one of the cleaner, smartest potential deals left!