Could the Dallas Mavericks be giving up on the Klay Thompson experiment before February’s trade deadline?
A new report from Hoops Habit’s Zach Ciavolella suggests that Dallas could send Klay and other assets to the Miami Heat in a trade for superstar wing Jimmy Butler, although the proposed deal (or one similar to it) is admittedly complicated to pull off.
“Dallas is set to pay both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving within the next two seasons,” Ciavolella said.
“While those two decisions will be virtual no-brainers, the decision to tie another large excess of funds into Butler is not so easy.”
Ciavolella then proceeded to lay out a trade proposal while acknowledging that its specific parameters are not possible due to the Mavs being hard-capped at the first apron.
“This doesn’t mean a trade is impossible, just that the proposed trade is,” Ciavolella said.
“But, we’ll forgive that, and focus on the value changing hands instead. The offer: Klay Thompson, Maxi Kleber, Quentin Grimes, one of Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington, a future pick swap.”
“Looking at the offer, the Heat … receive an army of role players for a star.”
“In Miami’s case, Klay Thompson is fine for the team’s timeline but doesn’t extend it by any means. Meanwhile, the inclusion of either Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington holds tremendous weight for both sides.”
“Gafford is a fantastic player, thriving since arriving in Dallas.”
“The issues for Dallas continue to manifest in that they would be moving three players while only replacing one. That loss of depth is not easily replaced this late in the season, aside from the buyout market, which is more often than not romanticized.”
More NBA: Warriors predicted to acquire Lakers superstar by offering massive package
