Klay Thompson's Reason for Not Signing With Lakers Became Huge Problem on Mavericks

Looks like Klay Thompson's gut feeling about Anthony Davis was right after all.

Oct 26, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) and forward Anthony Davis (3) look on during the game between the Mavericks and the Raptors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Klay Thompson is no longer a member of the Dallas Mavericks, as the two sides agreed to a buyout on Friday afternoon, as the sharpshooter gave back nearly $10 million to become a free agent.

When Thompson first signed with the Mavericks, it was following a run to the 2024 NBA Finals for the Mavericks. Both sides believed his shooting could be what would push them to win the championship.

Thompson initially chose the Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers for a few different reasons, one being that he thought the Mavs were closer to winning a championship. They had shown they could get close the year prior, but they also had the game's best individual offensive engine in Luka Doncic.

Another reason he didn't choose the Lakers, according to Christian Clark of The Athletic, was that he had "concerns about Davis’ availability."

Jan 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There was plenty of reason to think that. Davis had played 76 games in the 2023-24 season, but that was his first time playing more than 62 games in the last five seasons. People always joked about the nickname "Day-to-Davis," but it's because it was often true.

Doncic dealt with injuries in the early part of the 2024-25 season, eventually suffering a severe calf strain on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That would be the last time Doncic was seen in a Mavericks uniform, as then-Mavs general manager Nico Harrison traded him to the Lakers for Anthony Davis.

Thompson's concerns about Davis and his health became even more valid, as Anthony Davis only played 29 regular-season games before he was salary-dumped to the Washington Wizards this February.

Because of those injuries, the Mavericks were never close to competing during Thompson's two seasons in Dallas.

Thompson will now move to the Miami Heat on a two-year, $13 million deal, hoping to finish his career competing for championships.

Dec 15, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (center) watches the game against the Utah Jazz in street clothes with guard Klay Thompson (left) and forward Caleb Martin (right) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Klay Thompson: The Consummate Professional

Despite everything Thompson dealt with in his time with the Mavericks, he never once complained about the situation.

Being on a rebuilding team is not what Thompson signed up for, and the Mavericks were forced to rebuild because of the Doncic trade and injuries to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

Even getting lucky to draft Cooper Flagg, even by Thompson's admission, wasn't enough to push the Mavericks back into contention. Irving will be back this year, but they still likely won't be good enough to compete, which is a big reason why Thompson decided to move on.

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