The Dallas Mavericks bit the dust and conversation about their next season has already begun. Luka Doncic & Co. didn’t stand a chance against the Boston Celtics in the Finals except for the Game 4 flurry. Now that the Mavs head into the 2024 off-season, experts urge the Mavs front office to cast the net to rope in Klay Thompson. And, it is a direct reaction to a 32-year-old star’s underwhelming run off the bench. As the Mavericks reflect on their disappointing playoff exit, calls grow louder for strategic changes. Could Klay Thompson be the key to revitalizing their lineup after a season-ending meltdown?

It’s none other than Tim Hardaway Jr. The veteran guard is currently in the last year of his 4-year contract with $16 million left in the tank. Highlighting the situation, Kendrick Perkins said, “Tim Hardaway Jr., they can find a way to move his money. He’s making about 18 19 million ($16 mil) package him with somebody else and they go out and get Klay Thompson,” in the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show. This proposition not only underscores the Mavericks’ need for change but also sparks a debate on the team’s next strategic move.

The backup guard of the star-studded backcourt unit of the Mavs barely had any impact on the postseason run. He played a total of 14 games in the postseason, averaging 4.4 points in 12-minute per game. Even though the team had Dante Exum and Jaden Hardy in the mix, they also couldn’t generate an impact on the court. Tracing back to Perkins’ point, the Mavs also spend their $16 million on a sharpshooter as the backup guard.

With the guard situation out of the way, the Mavs need an experienced player in the roster apart from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. If it’s a traditional shooter, then it’s even better. Due to the lack of shooting threat apart from Kai and Luka, the Mavs have struggled to create space on the floor. Playing against a strong defense team like the Boston Celtics, they paid a heavy price. Keeping that in mind, China Klay could be a problem solver.

Will Klay Thompson join the Mavs?

Stephen A. Smith already made his opinion on Kendrick Perkins’ suggestion. Immediately after the former Celtics star made that point, Smith said, “If I’m Klay Thompson that’s not where I want to go.” He also went on to state his reason. The veteran analyst argued that Luka Doncic was a “ball-dominant player” and wouldn’t fit well for a fast-paced catch-and-shoot star like Thompson.

In addition to his concerns about fit, Smith further elaborated “At the pace that Luka is going to play with because the ball’s going to be in his hands the majority of the time, I don’t think there’s room for Klay.” Moreover, Smith went on to suggest the teams that could fit well for Thompson. The star analyst pointed his fingers at the NY Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers. He also listed the LA Lakers only to say, “But they don’t have a snowball’s chance in getting him.” 

While Thompson has not extended his contract with the Dubs, the NBA world will have exciting times ahead in the postseason. Shams Charania, the trusted NBA insider, also revealed that Thompson “intends to test free agency”. So the franchises have a look at their chances to land the sharpshooter into the roster. Of course, the Bay Area fan would never want to see the Dubs trio break up.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, this video