Klay Thompson eyeing reunion with Luka Doncic on the Lakers after 2024 mistake to join Mavericks

Klay Thompson might get bought out by the Dallas Mavericks after joining the franchise in 2024 to play alongside Luka Doncic.

Thompson rejected a bigger contract from the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 free agency to join the then-reigning Western Conference champions to play alongside Doncic for a fifth championship.

But with Doncic getting traded to the Lakers just a few months later, Klay has been stuck on a non-Playoff Mavericks roster for two seasons, but maybe not for much longer.

Klay Thompson eyeing a buyout to rejoin Luka Doncic on the Lakers

Christian Clark of The Athletic has confirmed that the Mavericks have been looking for a trade to send the 36-year-old swingman to a new team, but haven’t found a suitable partner.

“At this point, it remains unclear if Klay Thompson will be back in Dallas for a third year. The Mavericks have explored the trade market but have yet to find a deal, multiple sources with rival teams told The Athletic.”

Clark also revealed that Klay is looking to return to his hometown of LA, while also mentioning the Miami Heat as a potential suitor.

“My understanding is that Thompson would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home.”

Thompson has averaged 12.9 points on 38.7% shooting from three over his two seasons with the Mavericks.

Klay Thompson is a great fit next to Luka Doncic

One of the reasons for joining the Lakers has to be Doncic’s presence, with Klay averaging 14.9 points on 40.6% from three in the 21 games he played alongside Luka in Dallas.

The Lakers have a crowded backcourt with multiple swingmen, but the 6’7″ Thompson might be a better fit at small forward as an offensive option than another former Mavs teammate, Quentin Grimes.

Klay would also be a more reliable offensive option than Dalton Knecht or Cameron Carr in that role as well, but would make the Lakers more vulnerable defensively.

The Heat are a good destination, likely offering a bigger role due to the lack of shooters on their roster. But returning home to LA and getting open corner threes because of Doncic’s gravity has to be his preferred option, provided the Mavericks buy out his contract.

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