NBA Trade Proposal Would Send Klay Thompson From Mavericks to Spurs
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A hypothetical deal outlined by Jake Rogers of DallasHoopsJournal would move Klay Thompson from the Dallas Mavericks to the San Antonio Spurs, pairing the veteran shooter with rookie centerpiece Victor Wembanyama and giving Dallas added financial flexibility.
Proposed Terms
Spurs receive: Klay Thompson, Danté Exum
Mavericks receive: Kelly Olynyk, Lindy Waters III
Why It Works Under the CBA
Dallas would send out approximately $18.9 million in salary and take back about $15.7 million, trimming future payroll and easing second-apron concerns. San Antonio could absorb the difference while staying comfortably below the luxury-tax threshold and both aprons.
San Antonio’s Perspective
The cost to the Spurs is limited to an expiring contract (Olynyk) and a lightly guaranteed deal (Waters). No draft picks or long-term flexibility are sacrificed. Thompson, even in decline, offers off-ball gravity, floor spacing and more than a decade of playoff experience—assets viewed as valuable alongside Wembanyama. Exum, sidelined after knee surgery, could be waived or rehabbed without affecting the cap beyond this season. Thompson’s deal would expire after 2026-27, preserving future flexibility.
Dallas’ Rationale
For the Mavericks, the move centers on timing rather than talent. With the franchise shifting toward a longer horizon around top prospect Cooper Flagg, Dallas gains fiscal breathing room by removing Thompson’s $17.5 million commitment for 2026-27 and clearing Exum’s injured salary. Olynyk would provide short-term stretch-big depth and passing, while Waters’ partial guarantee offers low-cost depth or an easy waiver option.
The proposal remains theoretical, but the salary math aligns and the objectives of both teams—San Antonio’s immediate push and Dallas’ financial reset—are met on paper.
Source: Hoops Wire
