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Mavericks Draft: Trade the pick for Klay Thompson?

By Reid Hanson

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime during Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime during Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks are rebuilding and their first round pick, fifth overall, plays a pivotal role in that rebuilding process, but what if you could flip it for Klay Thompson?

The Dallas Mavericks have never been known for their patience. Since the day Mark Cuban took the reins, the Mavs have been in win-now mode, sometimes to the detriment of their long-term health.

But lately the tides have changed. Rebuilding is something the talent starved franchise can no longer deny. As such, the Mavericks have placed a premium on their draft picks and developing their young talent.

But what if there was a way to expedite that process. What if a couple big moves this summer could push the Mavs back into prominence? Would you do it?

His opportunities at Golden State have plateaued even through he has yet to.

Klay Thompson could be the linchpin to that paradigm shift. He may be one of the best shooting guards in the NBA. He plays offense, defense, he can drive to the basket and drain the three.

Thompson has no discernible weaknesses, yet, he’s still considered only the fourth most important part on the Golden State Warriors machine.

Thompson, 27, is a player young enough to build around and talented enough to lead a postseason team. This season he posted career highs in both field goal percentage and three-point percentage. Yet, his overall scoring dipped the lowest since the 2013-14 season. His opportunities at Golden State have plateaued even through he has yet to.

Despite Thompson’s progression, he’s likely hit his wall on the ultra-loaded Warriors team. The itch to spread his wings is understandable, even if it does mean ending a good thing (alright, GREAT thing).

Golden State is on the cusp of winning yet another NBA title. Their incentive to trade him is hard to understand. But with four players all worthy of max deals, the financial desire to cut bait with one proactively may be all the reason they need.

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Fifth Pick plus Wesley Matthews

One would think the Warriors would still be the odds-on favorite to win next year if they swapped out Klay Thompson for another two-way player in Wesley Matthews (provided LeBron James doesn’t go to Houston this summer).

Throw in a draft pick like like Mo Bamba, Jaren Jackson, or Michael Porter and you could potentially extend the length of the Warriors’ dynasty for a fraction of the cost.

Obvisosly, this deal looks sweeter for the Mavericks than it does for the Warriors. Golden State has everything to lose and would have to feel pretty great about the player at Pick 5 to make it feasible. But appropriating funds to the frontcourt makes sense from a balance perspective and follows some of the rumors we’ve been hearing for some time now.

Rumors of a Klay Thompson trade are nothing new either. They happened in the 2016-17 season. And they happened again this season.

Klay Thompson would be the perfect player for the Mavericks to build around. The 6’7” shhoting guard would pair wonderfully with Dallas’ diminutive point guards, Dennis Smith Jr.  and Yogi Ferrell, and he’d keep pressure off Dwight Powell in the paint.

Next: Why draft pick Jaron Jackson may be the perfect fit

Additionally, if Dallas had Thompson on board, they could have something to potentially lure a big man like Boogie Cousins. With Smith, Cousins, Thompson, Powell, and Barnes in the starting lineup, The Mavs would be an instant contender.

A fella can dream, can’t he?

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