Klay

Thompson

Added via sign-and-trade ahead of the 2024-25 season, Thompson’s first two seasons in Dallas have not gone as planned. While his 38.7 percent mark from three is respectable, that is nearly four percentage points lower than his number with the Warriors. Also, the Mavericks have not been a contender in Thompson’s two seasons, especially after former lead executive Nico Harrison decided to trade Luka Dončić to the Lakers. With 16 players on standard contracts and a new lead executive, Masai Ujiri, calling the shots, it’s unsurprising that the Mavericks would reportedly explore the market for Thompson. In July, it was reported that Miami had interest in Thompson, potentially adding another shooter to play off of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Even with the signing of Tim Hardaway Jr., the Heat need more wing scoring to supplement a roster now headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. As a result, Thompson is said to be a player of interest to the franchise, despite his struggles over two seasons in Dallas. He is still one of the best perimeter shooters in NBA history and can provide the spacing needed to create cleaner driving lanes for players like Antetokounmpo and Adebayo. It was also noted that the Heat’s interest is not contingent on them signing LeBron James in free agency. However, to make something happen, Thompson would need to be bought out of the final year of his current contract, which is worth $17.5 million.

Thompson played just over 10 minutes in Sunday’s season finale, and that was enough time for him to add another accomplishment to his career résumé. With his four three-pointers, the veteran sharpshooter finished with 202 on the season. Thompson has 11 seasons with at least 200 three-pointers; only Stephen Curry (13) has more. Klay is under contract for the 2026-27 season, but the days of him being a must-roster player in fantasy leagues are in the rear-view mirror.

Thompson wasn’t initially on the injury report, but he will now be unavailable off the bench for a second straight game. AJ Johnson took on extra minutes off the bench on Wednesday and should again in this one, though he didn’t provide much value in a larger role.

Thompson will return to action on Friday after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Suns. His return may result in fewer minutes for AJ Johnson, who played 17 minutes on Wednesday but struggled.

Thompson will get Wednesday night off after playing 26 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Clippers. Khris Middleton is available, and there may also be more minutes available to AJ Johnson off the bench.

The Mavericks’ injury list for the second leg of their back-to-back set is quite extensive, and with Brandon Williams (illness) also doubtful, Dallas could turn to Max Christie, Khris Middleton and John Poulakidas. Cooper Flagg should shoulder a heavy offensive workload.

Washington’s sore left elbow will keep him out of Tuesday’s game. While Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton are available, so is two-way player Tyler Smith, who’s likely to move into the rotation with Daniel Gafford also out.

The Mavericks will likely be without Washington and Williams, which should mean more minutes for Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton. Neither of the latter two are worth streaming, as Cooper Flagg has been stealing the show in Dallas.

Williams has been a consistent source of offense off the bench for Dallas, and his absence would open up plenty of minutes in the backcourt. Max Christie, Klay Thompson and John Poulakidas should all take on extra minutes if Williams is out.