Klay Thompson Not Afraid of Dallas Collapse: ‘Luka Traded, Davis Injured, Irving Out for the Season – I Was Hired to Lead, Finals Are My Destination!’
The Dallas Mavericks’ 2025 season took a drastic turn when they pulled off one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The move was widely debated, as Dončić was seen as the franchise cornerstone. However, the Mavericks’ front office believed that pairing Davis with Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving would keep them in contention for an NBA championship. Unfortunately, that vision quickly unraveled when Anthony Davis suffered an injury shortly after arriving in Dallas, followed by Kyrie Irving tearing his ACL, effectively ending his season.
Despite these devastating setbacks, Klay Thompson remains undeterred. When asked about the team’s struggles and their hopes for the remainder of the season, the five-time NBA champion showed his trademark confidence and composure.
“This is why they brought me here. To lead this team,” Thompson told reporters. “Between me, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum… and the other guys I’m forgetting right now because I’m not good at names, we still have a squad to make another run at the Finals.”
Klay Thompson’s Leadership Tested in Dallas
The Mavericks signed Klay Thompson in the offseason with the expectation that his championship pedigree would help the team take the next step. A proven winner with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson brought with him an elite shooting touch and invaluable postseason experience. The decision to trade Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis was a high-risk, high-reward move that, at the time, seemed to indicate a shift towards a defensive-minded approach with a dominant big man in Davis. However, with Davis now sidelined, Thompson is being forced into an even greater leadership role.
Thompson has always been known as a quiet yet impactful leader, someone who lets his game do the talking. But with Dallas losing its two biggest stars, he must now be more vocal in the locker room. His belief in the remaining roster is unwavering, even as fans and analysts question the Mavericks’ ability to remain competitive.
Can the Mavericks Survive Without Dončić, Davis, and Irving?
Losing three All-NBA talents would spell doom for most teams, but Klay Thompson believes Dallas can still contend. While it’s a tall order, there are still reasons for optimism:
- Klay Thompson’s Championship Experience – Thompson has been through adversity before. From battling injuries that sidelined him for two full seasons to helping the Warriors overcome numerous playoff challenges, he knows what it takes to win.
- Spencer Dinwiddie’s Playmaking Ability – Dinwiddie has been a steady contributor for Dallas in the past, and now, as one of the primary ball handlers, he has a chance to step up in a major way.
- Dante Exum’s Versatility – Exum has revived his career in Dallas, showcasing his defensive tenacity and improved three-point shooting.
- Emerging Role Players – Players like Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, and Dwight Powell will have to play expanded roles. The Mavericks’ depth will be tested, but if they can rise to the occasion, Dallas might still make a deep playoff run.
Can Klay Thompson Still Be a Number One Option?
For much of his career, Klay Thompson played alongside superstars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. While he has had massive scoring performances in the past—most notably his legendary 60-point game on 11 dribbles—he has rarely been asked to carry a team for an extended stretch. With Luka Dončić gone and both Davis and Irving injured, Thompson will now have to embrace a go-to scorer role that he hasn’t played since his early days in Golden State.
The question remains: Can Thompson still be a No. 1 option on a playoff team? While his shooting remains elite, his ability to create his own shot off the dribble has been somewhat diminished due to age and past injuries. However, if he can maintain efficient scoring and get support from players like Dinwiddie and Exum, the Mavericks could still remain dangerous in the Western Conference.
Will Dallas Make Another Move?
With Anthony Davis’ health in question and Kyrie Irving out for the season, speculation has already begun about whether the Mavericks will make another blockbuster move before the trade deadline. Some possible options include:
- Trading for a proven scorer – Dallas could look at acquiring a shot creator to complement Thompson and Dinwiddie. Names like Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan could be floated in trade discussions.
- Signing a free agent – With roster flexibility, Dallas could explore signing a veteran like John Wall or Blake Griffin to provide leadership and scoring depth.
- Emphasizing player development – The Mavericks could decide to ride out the season with their current squad and give younger players more opportunities.
Can Klay Thompson Lead Dallas to the Playoffs?
The Western Conference is always a brutal battleground, and losing three star players would normally end a team’s playoff hopes. However, if Klay Thompson can channel his veteran leadership and maintain his elite three-point shooting, the Mavericks still have an outside shot at making a run.
Dallas currently sits in the middle of the playoff picture, and Thompson has already had moments of brilliance in a Mavericks uniform. If he can elevate his game to an All-Star level, while role players like Dinwiddie, Exum, and Green step up, the Mavericks could still secure a playoff spot—or even go on a Cinderella run.
Final Thoughts: Can Klay Thompson Keep Dallas Afloat?
Klay Thompson isn’t backing down from the challenge of leading the Mavericks despite the turmoil surrounding the team. While losing Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, and Kyrie Irving is a brutal blow, Thompson’s championship mentality and shooting prowess could help Dallas remain competitive.
Whether or not Dallas can truly make a deep playoff run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Klay Thompson is ready to take the challenge head-on. And as long as he believes in himself and his teammates, the Mavericks’ season isn’t over just yet.
