Klay Thompson Trade Looms for Dallas Mavericks

Merlin sees the Mavericks preparing to sell ahead of the Feb 5 trade deadline, and Klay Thompson is one of the players Dallas is "open" to moving as he chases a chance to play for a title. Thompson took a three year, $50 million deal after saying he was "inspired by the chance to compete for a fifth title." Dallas has struggled since trading Luka Dončić and sits 9 and 16, though it has won four of five recently. Thompson has shot better since Nov. 12, hitting 39.8 percent from three on 9.1 attempts in 13 games, and his $16.7 million salary makes him a realistic target. Merlin senses fit and timing at work. At 35, Thompson does not match the Mavericks timeline with Cooper Flagg as the face of the franchise, but he remains premium spacing and playoff experience for contenders that need shooting. Expect diplomatic calls to turn urgent as teams weigh playoff ambitions against buy in cost.