​Klay Thompson’s $17.5 million future with Mavericks hangs in the balance – here’s why originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for a new chapter following significant changes in the front office and coaching staff. As the franchise moves in a different direction under its new leadership, veteran guard Klay Thompson’s future with the organization appears increasingly uncertain.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThompson is entering the final season of the three-year, $50 million contract he signed with Dallas in 2024. The contract will pay him approximately $17.5 million during the 2026-27 season.According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are actively exploring the trade market for the four-time NBA champion and have shown little desire to negotiate a buyout or risk losing him without receiving assets in return.“The Mavericks, league sources say, continue to explore Klay Thompson’s trade market, showing little interest — to this point — in buying out the four-time champion’s final remaining season ($17.5 million) of a three-year, $50 million deal with Dallas,” per Stein.“The Miami Herald and 5 Reasons Sports’Ethan Skolnick have reported that Miami would have strong interest in Thompson if he became a free agent and there would surely be other suitors.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOnly two years after arriving in Dallas in one of the league’s most talked-about free-agent moves, Thompson appears to be nearing another change of scenery. He originally joined the Mavericks with hopes of competing for a fifth NBA championship alongside Luka Doncic. However, those plans dramatically changed after the franchise traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.Dallas’ willingness to move Thompson is largely tied to his disappointing 2025-26 season, during which both his role and production declined significantly. For the first time in his 13-year NBA career, the veteran accepted a primary bench role, while posting career lows across several statistical categories. He finished the season averaging 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.The Mavericks are now expected to remain engaged in trade discussions, hoping to find a suitable deal for Thompson before finalizing the remainder of their roster ahead of the new season.Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama creates ‘problem’ for NBPA after shocking supermax decisionWhy Klay Thompson could be heading to Miami with LeBron James in the mixSpurs officially move on from young forward in unexpected roster shakeupKevin Durant explains why Philadelphia fans ‘fear you a little bit’Chet Holmgren takes subtle shot at Victor Wembanyama after Spain win