Despite an appearance in the NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks aren’t standing pat going into next season. A busy first two days have seen the team shore up their wing depth with quality additions. After 3 quick moves, the roster already has a different outlook from last season. Adding shooters around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, it looks like Dallas is looking at another deep run next season.
The biggest of those moves came after a lengthy negotiation process involving Klay Thompson. Competing with the 2 Los Angeles teams, the Mavericks were ultimately able to snatch up their guy. Now, a four-time Champion heads to Texas to give the team a reliable outside threat.
What does adding Klay Thompson mean for Dallas?
Losing out on Derick Jones Jr was a blow for the Mavs. However, Nico Harrison and the crew rebounded quickly, making two shrewd moves on the wings. First came the underrated signing of Naji Marshall for three years and $27 million.
A strong defender, Marshall can fill the DJJ role to a tee while offering demonstrably better long-range shooting. On the other hand, the biggest problem for Dallas in the Finals was the lack of consistent shooting from the role players.
Thankfully, the front office recognized the issue and went after arguably the greatest catch-and-shoot three-point shooter in league history. After much speculation and growing dissent with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson signed with the Mavericks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors Updates
A three-year, $50 million price tag saw Dallas ship out two second-round picks to Golden State to complete the sign-and-trade. Further, they gave away youngster Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets to facilitate the trade.
While Thompson isn’t the defender he used to be, he remains a dead-eye from 3-point range. Moreover, his experience as a four-time champion also ensures that the Mavs don’t run into shooting woe problems ala this year’s NBA Finals.
Combined with the expected growth from Dereck Lively II, the team is in a prime position to repeat or better this season’s exploits.
Where does that leave the Warriors?
The Warriors trio spent the entirety of their careers together. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson became synonymous with the team and its success. Over an 8-year run, they won 4 championships while going to 2 additional Finals. However, with this trade, that dynastic run has officially come to an end.
Golden State needs a contingency plan after back-to-back disappointing seasons, the latter of which saw them miss the playoffs altogether. As rumors circulate, the team is hard-pressed to go after Lauri Markkanen. But with the deal for Zach Lavine falling through and the loss of Chris Paul as well, it looks like the sun is setting in the Bay.
As their quasi-rebuild incorporating Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga didn’t pan out, it remains to be seen what the next steps for GSW are. Which direction do you think Curry and co. Take?
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