Veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson seems poised to depart from the Golden State Warriors in free agency. The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a potential destination for the four-time NBA champion, with discussions between the two parties set to occur during the free agency negotiating period, according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times.


Signing Thompson would provide the Mavericks with a formidable sharpshooter to complement Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Marc Stein reports a "strong mutual interest" between Thompson and the Mavericks, but acquiring him will be more complex than merely extending a contract offer this summer.


Thompson, 34, is an unrestricted free agent and is likely to command a salary around $13 million next season. The Mavericks could approach this figure by offering their $12.9 million mid-level exception (MLE). However, utilizing the MLE for Thompson might hinder their ability to retain one of their key free agents. Mavericks GM Nico Harrison has emphasized the importance of re-signing Derrick Jones Jr., who played a crucial role in the starting lineup with his athleticism and energy during Dallas's Finals run.


The Mavericks' recent trade of Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons for Quinten Grimes has created some financial flexibility, freeing up significant cap space. This allows Dallas to potentially use most, if not all, of its MLE to re-sign Jones. With the MLE likely allocated, a sign-and-trade for Thompson becomes a viable strategy. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Warriors are open to facilitating such a deal, which would ensure Thompson ends up in a desirable location while Golden State receives compensation for losing the five-time NBA All-Star.


Given his salary, Josh Green is a potential candidate for Dallas to include in a sign-and-trade with Golden State. The 23-year-old, who signed a three-year, $41 million rookie contract extension last October, will earn $12.6 million next season and become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Dallas can offer more assets to sweeten the deal, including first-round picks in 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2030. Their 2027 first-round pick is top-two protected, and otherwise, it conveys to the Charlotte Hornets.


Additionally, the Mavericks possess a $4.9 million trade exception that must be used before it expires on July 8.


Acquiring Klay Thompson would significantly enhance the Mavericks' shooting capabilities as they aim for another Finals appearance. However, bringing him to Dallas will require mutual interest and strategic financial maneuvering.