Klay Thompson ended his historic 13-year run with the Golden State Warriors when he agreed to a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks during the offseason. But things haven’t been smooth sailing in Dallas for the two-time All-NBA member.
Klay Thompson Is Averaging 12.6 Points Per Game On Career Lows Of 38.1% Shooting From The Floor, 36.8% From 3-Point Range
Although the Mavs are 13-8 and rank fourth in the Western Conference standings, at least one NBA executive feels Thompson has been “an awkward fit so far” with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Through 19 games (all starts) with Dallas, Thompson’s averaging 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 27.7 minutes per contest while shooting career lows of 38.1% from the field and 36.8% from 3-point range.
Klay Thompson just broke the NBA record for most 3PM in their first 3 games on a new team (15). pic.twitter.com/TCS1PoTdR1
— MavsMuse (@MavsMuse) October 29, 2024
His player efficiency rating (11.2) and true shooting percentage (52%) are career lows as well. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Friday that at least one league executive views Thompson’s role with the Mavs as out of place.
“Klay has been an awkward fit so far,” an Eastern Conference executive told Windhorst. “Derrick Jones [who left for the Clippers in free agency] shot the ball better and played better D for them last year.”
NBA Scout Trusts Thompson Ahead Of Postseason
However, one scout believes Thompson will make a positive impact come playoff time. With Golden State in the 2022-23 postseason, he averaged 18.5 points per game on 38.8% shooting from the floor and 36.8% from deep.
“Klay has been fine,” one scout told Windhorst. “His impact will be determined in the postseason. … If he has a few big games, then no one will remember what he shot from 3 in November.”
Shooter's touch 🏹 pic.twitter.com/w9rMsIGn2O
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 6, 2024
ESPN’s Tim Bontemps also reported that several scouts are confident that Klay Thompson can still put up All-Star numbers. To be blunt, it’s on Mavs coach Jason Kidd to find a way to utilize him.
“He’s the exact same player he was with the Warriors,” another scout told Bontemps. “A quality spot-up shooter who can get hot and make shots still and who can occasionally guard.”
Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd May Have To Rework His Offense
For Thompson to succeed in the Mavs’ offense, Kidd may have to design his plays around Thompson’s shooting and spacing. He is great at being a catch-and-shoot player, and the five-time All-Star is the sixth-best 3-point shooter in NBA history.
Thompson, who turns 35 on Feb. 8, was brought in by Dallas to enhance the team’s long-range shooting, but his averages this season are anything but special. Despite averaging a career-high 3-point attempt rate (64.6%), he’s made just 53 3s on 144 attempts.
The 6-foot-5 Thompson talked about his shooting struggles last month.
Klay in a win vs The Wizards:
11 Points, 2 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 60% from 3, +36Nice to see Klay getting back into his rhythm. pic.twitter.com/MYp6AMDZ1A
— Klay Thompson Muse (@KlayThompsonMu) December 6, 2024
“The shooting nights where I’m off, it used to really eat at me, but now, in my 12th season, it’s easier to rebound and get in the gym and think highly of yourself because the proof is in the pudding,” Thompson said. “If I give everything I have, I can live with the results.”
During his first month with the Mavericks, Thompson shot above 40% in his first two games. His efficiency dropped towards the end of October when he went 4-of-16 (25%) during the final two games.
Against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 10, he finished 1-of-6 (16.7%) shooting from behind the arc. He failed to knock down his open attempts, as he was held to 10 points in 32 minutes of action.
A game later, he made 50% of his 3-point shots against his former team, Golden State, scoring a season-high-tying 22 points on 7-of-17 (41.2%) shooting from the field and 6-for-12 from deep.
Would Dallas Trade Klay Thompson For Jimmy Butler?
The Mavericks are among the teams interested in trading for Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler. Earlier this week, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto said there has been “quiet discourse” in “league circles” pertaining to Butler. Both the Houston Rockets and Mavs are reportedly pursuing Miami’s wing.
The Brooklyn Nets were mentioned earlier in the season, but he’s “not viewed as a fit” for a rebuilding Brooklyn team, per Scotto. Dallas is not expected to trade Thompson and others for a player like Butler, but Heat president Pat Riley could be intrigued by the prospect of adding Thompson.
This may depend on whether or not Thompson can find a rhythm and boost his shooting percentages heading into 2025. If not, the Mavericks will have to make the necessary moves ahead of February’s trade deadline.
The Mavs have to keep up with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and a young Houston Rockets squad.
Dallas is aiming to repeat as Western Conference champions and win its first NBA championship since 2011. The Mavs lost in five games to the Boston Celtics in last season’s NBA Finals.
