In a move prompted by their loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks secured Klay Thompson through a sign-and-trade deal, aiming to bolster their roster. Mavericks President and GM, Nico Harrison, believes Thompson fills a crucial gap in the team.
Following their defeat in the Finals, Harrison recognized the need for a player like Thompson, stating, “After we went through the Finals, we saw what we were missing. We knew what we needed, and obviously he [Thompson] saw the same thing, so I think it’s a great fit.”
Despite a solid season led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks lacked a consistent sharpshooter to complement their star guards. Thompson, with his renowned shooting skills, is expected to provide the team with added firepower.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that injuries have impacted Thompson’s performance, with a torn ACL and Achilles affecting his game. In the 2024 season, he experienced a dip in shooting efficiency compared to his peak years in Golden State.
In addition to Thompson, the Mavericks have made other moves, such as trading Tim Hardaway Jr. for Quentin Grimes and signing Brandon Williams to a two-way contract. Harrison, entering his fourth season as GM, has been recognized for his efforts in reshaping the team’s roster.
Overall, Harrison’s tenure has been marked by successful moves, barring the 2022-23 season, including acquisitions like Dereck Lively II, Derrick Jones Jr., PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford.