Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks open the NBA playoffs this weekend against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Dallas finished the regular season as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 50 wins and 32 losses. The team may consider itself a legitimate NBA title contender, but the West is completely stacked.
Doncic did a great job with enigmatic guard Kyrie Irving in his first full season. This duo at least gives the Mavericks a chance to compete in the playoffs.
But if there is another possibility of an early postseason exit, I wouldn't be surprised if owner Mark Cuban pushes for a big move this summer.
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Dallas Mavericks linked to NBA free agent Klay Thompson
Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star, had a terrible performance in the Golden State Warriors' loss to Sacramento in the play-in. One of the best shooters in the game made 0 of 10 shots from the field and scored exactly 0 points in the blowout loss.
This will lead to new questions about Thompson's future in San Francisco. He is scheduled to become an NBA free agent this summer. While a return to the Warriors is likely, he will no doubt test the open market.
Signing Thompson permanently could prove difficult for the cap-strapped Mavericks. Rather, he will need to pull off a sign-and-trade with Golden State.
- Klay Thompson stats (2023-24): 17.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, Shooting 43%, 3 Points 39%
Thompson is coming off his worst season since 2012-13, and all eyes will be on his services.
So Sam Amick of The Athletic named Dallas as a potential suitor for the two-guard.
From an on-court perspective, it makes a lot of sense. With Thompson teaming up with Irving in the backcourt and Doncic playing the wing position, it looks like a pretty good trio.
Whether that will happen remains to be seen. It will be all about how these Mavericks do in the NBA playoffs and Thompson's situation with the Warriors this summer.
