Grading Mavs’ Haul From First 24 Hours of Free Agency
By Cem Yolbulan
Signing Klay Thompson to a 3-Year, $50 Million Contract
The final and the biggest move of the first 24 hours of free agency came when the Mavericks acquired Klay Thompson from the Golden State in a sign-and-trade. Dallas gave the veteran sharpshooter a three-year, $50 million deal, in exchange for Josh Green, who went to the Charlotte Hornets, and second-round picks.
Thompson is obviously not the two-way dominant force he once was but he is still a valuable player who is an absolute bargain on this contract. He is a bit slower on the defensive end, struggling to guard smaller, faster players. He is not as athletic on the offensive end, limiting his ability to create separation and beat his defender.
However, he is still one of the best shooters the game has ever seen. Just the off-ball gravity and shooting threat he has on every offensive possession will open things up in a big way for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Thompson immediately becomes the best shooter Doncic has ever played with. For a player who creates the most corner threes and open looks than anybody in the NBA, playing next to someone like Klay is a godsend.
Imagine all the open shots Derrick Jones Jr, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Josh Green bricked in the postseason. Now, think of Klay Thompson taking them. All of a sudden, you have an entirely different offensive firepower.
The defensive fit isn't as seamless, especially when Thompson, Doncic, and Irving are on the floor together but the talent upgrade is so undeniable that this is a home-run deal.
Grade: A+
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