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Dallas Mavericks: 5 Excellent Expenditures for the Mavs

By Adithya Prabakaran

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic backs Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in the post during Game Three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at the Amway Center on April 19, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Raptors defeated the Magic 98 to 93. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic backs Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in the post during Game Three of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at the Amway Center on April 19, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Raptors defeated the Magic 98 to 93. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Klay Thompson, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors

Will the Mavs sign Klay? No. But, would he make for an excellent expenditure for the Mavs? 100% yes. Klay is obviously known for his dynamic 3 point shooting ability that destroys the Mavs every time they play Golden State. However, don’t overlook how rock solid he is as a defender.

There’s no point in documenting his stats because we know his play style. He’s been a crucial part for a 3 time NBA champion team and his ability to get as hot as the sun is nothing short of legendary. He was a big influence in the pace and space take over of the NBA while also reinforcing the idea that defense wins championships.

There simply aren’t enough good things to say about Klay even if you think he can’t lead a franchise by himself.

So why should he come to Dallas? It’s understood he loves playing in Oakland because they are so dynamic but I’m sure he’d like to be more than a third or fourth fiddle on an All-Star Lineup. The Mavs could give him the opportunity to “re-invent” himself.

What do I mean? Luka is 20 years old and KP is 23; Klay is 29. Not only does Klay turn the Mavs into an instant title contender now, but he would still provide consistent minutes and production for the Mavs once Luka reaches the beginning of his athletic prime. If Klay were to sign with the Mavs, this Mavs team could have themselves a dynamic floor spacing Big 3.

Last season a big issue with the offense was scoring. Even if players like Harrison Barnes and Dennis Smith Jr were shooting well from 3, their general shooting percentage was not very encouraging. In the last 4 seasons, Klay has not shot below 45% and he’s never shot below 40% from 3 in his entire NBA career. (Truly a crazy statistic but not surprising)

In addition, the offense is a perfect match for Klay. The Mavs love passing the ball around while hoping to create open shots off of screens and pick and rolls. Klay is the master of shooting off of screens and defines what it means to be an off-ball player.

On defense, Thompson would have a similar impact as Harrison Barnes did for several years. Barnes and Thompson don’t post steals or blocks but their ability to guard multiple positions and and their ability to switch off of picks does not go unnoticed. Signing Klay makes entirely too much sense for the Mavs.

Of course Klay won’t be signing with the Mavs. The expectation is he will be signing with Golden State and continue what the Warriors have now. However, if the Mavs ever get the chance to offer him a deal, he would certainly make for an excellent expenditure. Also not that it matters, but Klay fired agent Billy Duffy and switched to Greg Lawrence. Duffy just happens to represent Vooch, Doncic, Patrick Beverley, and Goran Dragic.

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