The Mavericks have been struggling to find a scorer who can consistently deliver three-point firepower alongside Doncic and Irving, and their championship hopes last season have been dashed. Now, with the addition of Klay Thompson, that problem has been solved.
According to Woj, multiple sources revealed that Clay joined the Mavericks by signing and trading to join the Eastern European group. Klay's contract is three years and $50 million, with no player or team options. Mavericks wing Josh Green was sent to the Hornets in this deal, and the Warriors received a trade exception and two second-round picks in the deal.
So, how did the teams fare in this blockbuster deal involving the sharpshooter?
Mavericks Trade Rating: A-
The Mavericks didn't seem to have much to do at the end of the season. The team has limited salary capsiture and only has a $5 million mid-range exception available.
But they didn't stop there, and through clever deals, the Mavericks forged a trail.
By sending Tim Hardaway to a contract and draft pick, the Mavericks not only traded Quentin Grimes but also cleverly created a trade exception that paved the way for bringing in Klay.
Klay is no longer the all-powerful player he was before his big injury. He used to be a top defensive stalwart in the NBA, but now he defends more of a slower forward. And when given too many offensive tasks, Klay has also occasionally shown fatigue, and even dragged down the Warriors in some games.
However, at this stage of his career, the role of the Lone Ranger was perfect for Clay. He's still a lethal off-ball shooter and will have plenty of quality shots next to Doncic and Irving. There's reason to expect Klay's three-point shooting percentage to be up from 38.7 percent last season.
Klay's new three-year, $50 million contract, compared to the $40.6 million he earned with the Warriors last season, is undoubtedly a significant pay cut, and his salary in Dallas will be even lower than the average of the team's starters.
Therefore, being able to sign Clay at this price is undoubtedly a very cost-effective deal for the Mavericks, and they deserve a high score for the wisdom and strategy they have shown.
Hornets Trading Rating: A-
To balance this multi-party deal, the Mavericks had to give away some paychecks. After signing Naji Marshall, the Mavericks' total salary has hit the hard cap cap of $178 million. The Hornets successfully brokered the deal by accommodating 2020's No. 18 pick, Josh Green.
Green started his career with fears that he could become a parallel commodity, but now he's transformed into an excellent three-point shooter, shooting 38.5 percent from three-point range last season. Green is also very the defensive end and can make smart defensive choices. He's exactly the kind of young player with offensive and defensive potential that the Hornets are looking for.
It was a commendable deal for Charlotte.
Warriors Trade Rating: C
For the Warriors, the deal marks the sad end of their illustrious dynasty, but in the face of a hefty luxury tax, the Warriors' choice is understandable.
Last season, the Warriors paid $177 million in luxury tax and failed to make the playoffs. Getting something in return when Klay leaves is the most realistic outcome they can achieve.
In this deal, the Warriors didn't bring back any salary, thus creating a huge trade player exception, though that exception may never be used. They got two second-round picks from the Mavericks. For a player who has helped his team win four championship rings, such a return does seem somewhat insignificant.
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