NBA Trade: Lakers Eye Klay Thompson in Blockbuster Deal
The proposed trade would have a significant impact on both teams, with the Lakers gaining a proven shooter and depth at center, and the Mavericks acquiring a young playmaker and a great defender. The move would be a key step in the Lakers' bid to compete for another title, and would give the Mavericks a strong foundation to build around.
The Los Angeles Lakers are considering a trade that would send Austin Reaves to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford, aiming to address their shooting inefficiencies and bolster their frontcourt depth. This move would significantly improve the Lakers' championship prospects for the 2025-26 season, pairing Thompson with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to give the team the firepower to compete for another title.
Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, has been averaging 14.3 points with a 40% three-point shooting accuracy this season, making him a valuable addition to the Lakers' roster. Reaves, who has been averaging 19.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, could become a primary scorer for the Mavericks and alleviate pressure on Kyrie Irving, who will likely miss the start of the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL.
The trade would also involve Jarred Vanderbilt, who would bolster the Mavericks' frontcourt, and Daniel Gafford, who would address the Lakers' center problem. The proposed starting lineup for the Lakers would feature a strong core of players, including Irving, Reaves, Naji Marshall, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. The Mavericks, on the other hand, would gain Reaves, who has the potential to build around, and Vanderbilt, a great defender.
The trade is expected to be worth $50 million and would be a significant move for both teams as they look to retool their rosters for the upcoming season. The Lakers are seeking to strengthen their championship prospects, while the Mavericks are rebuilding after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers. The addition of Thompson would address the Mavericks' need for a reliable perimeter shooter, and the acquisition of Reaves would give them a young playmaker to support Irving.