The Dallas Mavericks are very clearly heading into a new era.
From hiring Masai Ujiri as the franchise’s lead executive, to moving on from Jason Kidd to Dusty May as head coach – there’s little secret that Dallas is turning a new leaf.
This much is continuing to be true with the franchise’s announcement that Klay Thompson is no longer a member of the organization. The buyout ends a two-year partnership between the parties. Thompson was heading into the final year of a three-year, $50 million contract that was part of a sign-and-trade in 2024.
Thompson’s departure isn’t totally out of left field, but it still points to a greater shift in philosophy for the Mavericks’ organization.
Dallas Mavericks All-In on Youth Movement
Nearly every move by Dallas since Ujiri took over is uniform. The Mavericks are gearing towards the future.
The hiring of May signals an emphasis on player development. So does the drafting of Morez Johnson Jr. and trading for Marcus Sasser/former first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.
As it stands, the Mavericks are rostering 10 players that are 25 or younger, which is the most telling signal of where they are. First-year coach May is gunning to develop the aforementioned players, as well as leaning in on the rising stardom of F Cooper Flagg.
Flagg is coming off of a Rookie of the Year campaign where well-above average metrics were posted (Crafted NBA). Flagg is a player worth building around, and is giving the NBA a great reason to showcase Dallas on national T.V. over 20 times this season.
Trusting in Flagg’s rise is paramount. The organization moving on from Thompson is signifying an even larger commitment to this avenue.
While Dallas might not compete for a playoff spot next season, they are on the rise at the moment.
Mavericks, Kyrie Irving Might be Next Breakup
GettyIrving is entering his third full healthy season with Dallas.
The departure of Thompson leaves just two players over the age of 30 on the Dallas roster.
Those players are F Caleb Martin and Irving, who is returning after missing a full season due to an ACL tear.
The Dallas front office is shutting down any talks from progressing, at least according to the respected Marc Stein. The Mavericks are anticipating that pairing Flagg with Irving will be a fruitful decision. It is a valid bet and shows that the Mavericks are willing to take gambles.
This doesn’t necessarily close the possibility that a future trade is explored, however. Irving, 34, is a valuable trade piece despite the 2025 ACL tear. Teams such as the Detroit Pistons make sense as a pairing in the event of the Mavericks’ season going south. The Mavericks have an opportunity to further commit to the youth movement in this scenario as well.
Most teams need elite veteran presence to take the next step forward. It doesn’t appear as if Dallas is in the position to qualify for this title, however.
Only time will tell what Dallas decides to do with Irving, but the upcoming season doesn’t spell much promise. The Mavericks begin the 2026-27 season on October 21 against the Houston Rockets.
What Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson Buyout Means for Organization