Klay Thompson was under the impression he was coming to Dallas to play alongside Luka Doncic, and while he did, Nico Harrison ripped that away from him in February of 2025. Now, Thompson has a clear shot to reunite with Doncic this summer, as Thompson's future with the Mavericks is uncertain, to say the least.
According to Christian Clark of The Athletic (subscription required), the veteran sharpshooter has a path to Los Angeles. Return, you ask? Thompson is from the area, and his dad, Mychal, played for the Lakers.
Mychal is also a radio color commentator for the Lakers, and his son has every reason to go back to L.A. if he chooses. Here's Clark's analysis on why an L.A. reunion is on the table.
“My understanding is that Thompson would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home. The Miami Heat are another team frequently mentioned in NBA circles as a potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer.”
Klay Thompson has every reason to play with Luka Doncic and the Lakers
Thompson came to Dallas as a four-time NBA champion with Golden State. He's one of the best shooters the game has ever seen and was supposed to give Dallas the boost it needed with more length and shooting.
Doncic, a high-IQ player, has a gift for finding his teammates even when it looks impossible. Thompson was supposed to thrive in this area, and at times he did, but Thompson's purpose on the team became different, to say the least.
Now, with the Lakers looking in a new direction with Doncic and Austin Reaves, they have every excuse to welcome Thompson for a second chance with his former Mavericks teammate. It's a no-pressure situation, and Thompson still owns a home there. It's a homecoming for the last part of his career, and the Mavericks may agree.
When Thompson was deciding on his new home in 2024, Los Angeles was at the top of the list with Dallas, and he ultimately chose the defending Western Conference champion Mavericks. This could be his golden opportunity to return to his hometown and reunite with Doncic, which was probably one of the biggest reasons why he came to Dallas in the first place.
The Mavericks are clearly building younger and around Cooper Flagg. Thompson can still come off the bench and be that spark shooter, but not like 10 years ago. Lakers sharpshooter Dalton Knecht has been involved in trade talks as well, and if the Mavs continue to go young, it's an option that makes sense.
Naji Marshall was extended, and it may spell the end of Washington's future, and he's younger than Thompson. With the Mavericks in a younger direction, it looks like Thompson's future is very much in doubt, and he has an easy path to work with Doncic once again.
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