The Mavericks saw their title hopes dashed by a lack of supporting players alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving who were capable of consistently hitting three-pointers. They solved that problem immediately by bringing in Klay Thompson.
Thompson will join the Mavericks as part of a multi-team sign-and-trade deal that will also send Josh Green to Charlotte. As reported by ESPN’s Adrian WojnarowskiFull details of the business can be found reportedly It is still being worked on.
How does the situation look for all the teams involved? Here are our instant ratings.
Mavericks Trade Grade
The Mavericks entered the summer with the impression that they would not have much of a chance to improve their team. They had no salary cap space and only a $5 million exception for mid-level players paid for by taxpayers.
Instead of settling for that trifle, they got creative. They dumped Tim Hardaway Jr.’s salary along with picks in exchange for Quentin Grimes, creating a trade exception that could bring Thompson.
Thompson is not the player he was before his rash of injuries a few years ago. He used to be a top-notch defender, but now he can only guard slower forwards. And when he was given too much of an offensive role, he knocked the Warriors out of some games.
This will be the perfect role for him in the final stage of his career. He remains a lethal shooter on the move and will get the best opportunities he’s had in a long time playing alongside Doncic and Irving. It’s reasonable to think he should improve on the 38.7 percent from three-point range he shot last season.
The $50 million Thompson will receive over three years represents a significant pay cut from the $40.6 million he earned last season with the Warriors. He will make less than the average starter’s salary in Dallas. He’s a bargain for the Mavericks, and their ingenuity in finding a way to acquire him deserves high marks.
Mavericks grade: A-
Hornets swap grades
The Mavericks needed to shell out some money to make this trade legal. They had set themselves a salary cap of $178 million after signing Naji Marshall. The Hornets were able to close this deal by selecting Green with the 18th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Early in his career, Green seemed headed toward draft failure. But he has developed into a solid three-point shooter, shooting 38.5 percent on threes last season. He’s also a defender who tries his best and makes smart plays. He’s the kind of young prospect the Hornets should target.
This was a good deal for Charlotte.
Hornets grade: A-
Warriors exchange ranks
This is a sad end to the Warriors’ dynasty, but it’s hard to blame them for wanting to rein in their outrageous tax bill. They paid $177 million in luxury taxes last season and missed the playoffs entirely. Getting something for Thompson on the way out was the best possible outcome.
The Warriors didn’t get any salary back in this trade, creating a huge exception for traded players that will likely never be used. They received two second-round picks from the Mavericks. That’s a paltry amount for a player who gave them four rings.
Warriors Rating: C
