Klay Thompson's Future: Mavs Trade or Buyout

Klay Thompson's $17.5M expiring contract is a key trade asset for the Mavericks, but he prefers a buyout to join a contender (Heat, Lakers, Warriors). Miami is capped out and reluctant to trade Jovic; Dallas resists a buyout to maximize return. This standoff could drag into the season and impacts the Mavs' rebuild around Cooper Flagg.