Klay Thompson had no idea what was coming when he turned down the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024 to sign with the Mavericks instead. No one did, as Dallas drastically changed its trajectory by trading Luka Dončić in January 2025. As Thompson said on Sunday, he's not sure if he'll still be with the team, noting how he's learned "things can change on a dime."
The 36-year-old won four titles with the Warriors, but he thought that by signing with the Mavericks, he'd have a chance to win another. Instead, over the past two years, Dallas failed even to make it to the playoffs.
As Thompson noted, he's still under contract for one more season, as he'll make $17.5 million in 2026-27. He's not in control of his future like he was two years ago, but the Mavericks could work with him on a trade, hoping to put him in a situation where he can play for an actual contender that doesn't trade its superstar for an aging, oft-injured star.
Klay Thompson was asked if he anticipates being in Dallas next season.
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) April 13, 2026
“That’s a hard hitter. I’m not sure. I’m under contract so I do, but I’ve definitely learned in my time in Dallas that things can change on a dime.” pic.twitter.com/qzV08skX5B
To think he could've already been in that position if he had chosen the Lakers. His father, Mychal, tried to push him in that direction.
Klay Thompson didn't know what he was getting into
Ironically, Thompson could've still played with Luka had he decided to go to Los Angeles in the first place, assuming Nico Harrison wouldn't have wanted him in the trade. He could be gearing up for a second straight playoff run in purple and gold, helping to (hopefully) lead the Lakers past the Rockets in the first round, biding time for Dončić to maybe return.
That would be much more ideal than being stuck in the middle of what's been going on in Dallas. The Mavericks still thought they could contend for a title with Anthony Davis, which wasn't true, and even he's no longer around. At least Thompson can say he got to play with Cooper Flagg, but tanking for a high draft pick to pair with the rookie phenom isn't the stage he wanted to be in at this point in his career.
You can think that Klay might regret his decision to go to Dallas, but as for Los Angeles, the Lakers not getting him on a four-year deal worked out in their favor. His game has declined to the point where he hasn't lived up to his current contract. The Mavericks may actually have to tempt a team to take on the final year of his deal by parting with an asset.
Although Thompson chose not to be a Laker, hopefully, he's able to land somewhere this summer where he can be a positive addition and contribute to winning basketball.