At 36! Congratulations to Thompson! Report: Mavericks Ready to Let Him Go in Trade

Reporter Jake Weinbach:The Mavericks have expressed a willingness to trade some of their veteran players, such as Thompson, Gafford, and PJ Washington, in order to shape a future lineup centered around Flagg.

Frankly, this is hardly unexpected. The Mavericks had long signaled a rebuild. This regular season, they went 26–56, finishing 12th in the West, while just two years prior, they had advanced to the Finals behind the duo of Dončić and Irving...

Moreover, Thompson is no longer the player he once was. This regular season, he appeared in 69 games, starting 8 times, averaging 21.7 minutes, 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, with a lowly 39.3% shooting percentage. He hit 2.9 three-pointers per game at a 38.3% clip. When a player fails to deliver his expected value, being cast aside is inevitable—that’s how the business of sports has always worked.

By the way, Thompson is entering the final year of his contract next season, worth $17.46 million, and he has already turned 36. There’s no way the Mavericks will offer him an extension. So it makes sense to trade him before his contract expires, recoup some assets, and let him chase his fifth NBA championship ring—this benefits both sides.

Thompson, now on the verge of being discarded, might wonder if he regrets leaving the Warriors in the summer of 2024, giving up a one-team, one-city legacy.

As for Irving, 34, who missed the entire 25–26 season due to a torn ACL, he is definitely on the trading block. However, there’s no shortage of suitors. Reports indicate that playoff-caliber teams like the Lakers, Rockets, Pistons, and Timberwolves are among his admirers.

Irving has largely recovered his health. Recently, he appeared at the Top 100 Camp, competing against younger players, and his playing style remains as smooth and picturesque as ever.

However, his speed seems a bit slower than before, and he still can’t go full force at will.

Irving signed a three-year, $118 million extension with the Mavericks last year, which runs through the summer of 2028. His salaries for the next two seasons are $39.49 million and $42.42 million respectively—reasonable terms and not exorbitantly high. So it’s no surprise he’s highly sought after on the trade market.

It’s over. The Mavericks have entered a new era; the stories of the past are only good for reminiscing.