Klay Thompson exited the Golden State Warriors two years ago under the premise that the Dallas Mavericks were in championship contention, only for them to turn around and shake their team, and the league, to its core by trading away Luka Doncic six months later.
Over 18 months since that trade and they still won't free Thompson from his place on a completely diffent Mavericks timeline. Dallas remain persistent on finding a trade for the veteran sharpshooter, rather than considering a buyout that could open the door for a fairytale reunion at the Warriors.
Mavericks still won't consider Klay Thompson buyout
The topic of a Thompson buyout has been prevalent throughout the offseason, particularly as teams like Golden State and the Miami Heat potentially circle in the hope that the 36-year-old becomes available.
However, in another report on Thompson's future on Friday, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints outlined that the Mavericks still have no interest in a buyout for the five-time All-Star and hope that a trade will still materialize.
"The Mavericks do not hold interest in buying Thompson out and want to utilize his expiring contract to add something of value, whether it be second-round draft assets or something else," Siegel wrote.
This appearss to be a patient waiting game on all sides, especially when it comes to the Heat who've been arguably the team most strongly linked to Thompson, whether it be through a trade or eventual buyout.
Miami would undoubtedly prefer to be able to sign Thompson as a free agent following a buyout, rather than have to give up an asset and have to pay the four-time champion $17.5 million on the final year of his deal.
Warriors may have to wait for Klay Thompson reunion
Siegel also reports that Thompson would be welcomed back to Golden State if he were to secure a buyout and sign as a free agent. However, the circumstances of this situation, and most notably Dallas' unwillingness to consider a buyout to this point, means the Warriors may have to wait until next offseason or even beyond that for their franchise legend to potentially return.
A mid-season buyout would eliminate Golden State from signing Thompson as they're above the first apron, unless they were to make a major trade to duck under that which is unlikely. It's also impossible to see the Warriors trading for Thompson given it would require them to sacrifice Moses Moody and likely another young player such as Brandin Podziemski or Gui Santos to simply match salary.
A reunion between Thompson and the Warriors should remain on the radar, and the front office is still leaving two roster spots available just in case such an opportunity was to present itself before training camp.
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