The future of former Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson at the Dallas Mavericks suddenly looks more uncertain than ever after the franchise sensationally parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd on Tuesday.
Kidd, who had four years remaining on his contract and led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals just two years ago, became the latest high-profile casualty in a rapidly evolving Dallas front office under new president Masai Ujiri. The move signals a decisive shift in direction, with Ujiri stamping his authority on the franchise and paving the way for potentially sweeping roster changes this summer.
As the Mavericks pivot toward a new generation built around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, the organization has entered what appears to be a full rebuild mode. All eyes are now turning to the offseason, particularly the situations surrounding veterans Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks that convinced Thompson to leave Golden State less than two years ago on a three-year, $50 million contract are barely recognizable today. The transformation began with the stunning trade of franchise superstar Luka Doncic early last year. In the aftermath, his primary replacement, Anthony Davis, has already come and gone. The front office has been overhauled, and now the head coach is out as well.
Thompson’s role with the team had already been diminishing. This past season, the five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion was moved back to a permanent bench role for the first time in his career, enduring one of the more challenging campaigns of his distinguished professional life.
While the Mavericks would likely prefer to move on from Thompson given the mismatch in timelines between the 36-year-old veteran and a franchise clearly resetting its priorities, executing that decision cleanly will be no simple task. Finding a willing trade suitor for the sharpshooter—even on an expiring $17.5 million contract—could prove difficult.
Dallas is expected to approach any potential deal cautiously. The last thing Ujiri and the new regime want is to attach significant assets simply to offload Thompson or to absorb another undesirable, long-term contract in return. A buyout remains an option, potentially allowing the veteran to join a preferred destination as a free agent, though such a move often feels more appropriate mid-season once trade avenues have been exhausted.
Speculation about a emotional reunion with the Golden State Warriors has swirled almost since the day Thompson departed the Bay Area. However, questions remain about whether either side would genuinely pursue such a homecoming if and when he becomes available. The Warriors have evolved, and Thompson himself is at a different stage of his career.
For now, Thompson’s immediate future in Dallas hangs in the balance. As Masai Ujiri reshapes the Mavericks in his image, the coming weeks and months will determine whether the sharpshooter remains part of the organization’s plans or becomes another notable piece moved out in the franchise’s aggressive rebuild. One thing is clear: in Dallas, nothing appears safe.