The Warriors are considering bringing Klay Thompson back from the Mavericks in exchange for Buddy Hield and Trayce Jackson-Davis.

In a league driven by narratives and iconic moments, few potential trades could capture the imagination of basketball fans more than the return of Klay Thompson to the Golden State Warriors. In this mock trade scenario, the Warriors acquire Klay Thompson from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Buddy Hield and Trayce Jackson-Davis. At first glance, it is a swap of shooting guards and a promising young big man, but beneath the surface, it represents so much more. This deal would bring together the legendary Splash Brothers one last time, give Dallas much-needed flexibility for the future, and reshape the playoff outlook for both franchises.

The Splash Brothers Legacy

When fans think about the Golden State Warriors dynasty from 2015 to 2022, the first images that come to mind are Steph Curry draining impossibly deep threes and Klay Thompson catching fire in ways no other player could replicate. Together, they revolutionized basketball. Known as the Splash Brothers, they led Golden State to four championships in eight years and built what many call the greatest backcourt in NBA history.

The duo holds numerous records, including the most three-pointers made by a pair in a single season and single game. Curry owns the all-time record for most threes made in NBA history, while Thompson famously set the single-game record by hitting 14 triples, breaking Curry’s own mark of 13. Their style forced the rest of the NBA to adapt, as teams began prioritizing pace, space, and perimeter shooting in ways never seen before.

But all dynasties eventually end. Thompson’s departure in 2024 marked the conclusion of an era. He signed with the Dallas Mavericks, leaving behind Curry and Draymond Green. While the split was amicable, it left the Warriors searching for a new identity and Thompson attempting to prove himself in a new system. The results were underwhelming for both sides, which makes this mock trade scenario especially intriguing.

Why the Warriors Want Klay Thompson Back

The Warriors are at a crossroads. Steph Curry, now 37, is still playing at a high level but knows his championship window is closing. Draymond Green remains a defensive anchor, but his offensive production has declined. The front office added Jimmy Butler to provide toughness and experience, but the chemistry has not fully clicked.

This is why reuniting with Klay Thompson makes sense. Even at 35 years old, Thompson remains a valuable piece. He shot 39.1 percent from three-point range last season with Dallas, still above league average. While he may not have the same lateral quickness on defense as in his prime, his shooting ability, floor spacing, and familiarity with the Warriors’ system are exactly what Golden State needs.

Beyond the numbers, this move would restore the identity of the Warriors. Curry and Thompson together create a unique gravitational pull on defenses, opening up driving lanes and spacing that cannot be duplicated by any other duo. Add Butler’s mid-range scoring and Green’s playmaking, and suddenly the Warriors look like a dangerous playoff team again. For Golden State, this trade is not about the future — it’s about giving Curry and Thompson one last chance to chase a championship together.

Why the Mavericks Would Make This Deal

For the Dallas Mavericks, the motivation is different. They are entering the post-Luka Dončić era and are now built around Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and rookie phenom Cooper Flagg. Klay Thompson brought veteran leadership and championship experience, but at 35, he doesn’t align with the Mavericks’ long-term direction.

Swapping him for Buddy Hield and Trayce Jackson-Davis provides balance between short-term competitiveness and long-term growth. Hield, at 32, is still one of the league’s elite shooters. While he lacks Thompson’s defensive instincts and championship pedigree, he is capable of spacing the floor for Irving and Davis. His quick release and ability to score off the catch make him a natural fit alongside Dallas’ ball-dominant stars.

The real value, however, lies in Trayce Jackson-Davis. The young big man has shown promise as a high-energy rebounder, rim protector, and efficient scorer in the paint. Pairing him with Cooper Flagg gives Dallas a youthful frontcourt duo to develop. With Anthony Davis often dealing with injuries, having a young and versatile big like Jackson-Davis provides much-needed insurance and long-term stability.

In essence, this trade allows Dallas to compete now while planning for the future. They lose a franchise name in Klay, but they gain two pieces that better fit their timeline.

Trade Breakdown

Golden State Warriors receive:

• Klay Thompson

Dallas Mavericks receive:

• Buddy Hield

• Trayce Jackson-Davis

At its core, this trade is about identity for Golden State and flexibility for Dallas. Each side sacrifices something, but each side also gains critical advantages.

Why It Works For the Warriors

The Warriors know time is running out. Curry cannot carry the team forever, and Butler’s prime is closing. By bringing back Thompson, they restore the familiarity and magic that defined their dynasty. Thompson doesn’t need to be the superstar he once was — he just needs to be Klay, a reliable scorer, floor spacer, and defender who knows how to win alongside Curry and Green.

The emotional boost of reuniting the Splash Brothers could also elevate the locker room. For a franchise that built its culture on unselfishness, chemistry, and joy, bringing back a beloved figure like Klay sends a message: the Warriors are all-in for one last ride.

Why It Works For the Mavericks

The Mavericks, meanwhile, gain assets that align with their future. Buddy Hield provides shooting depth and spacing for Irving and Davis, while Trayce Jackson-Davis offers youth and energy. This duo gives Dallas both immediate help and long-term promise.

Klay’s departure also frees up more opportunities for Cooper Flagg, who is being groomed as the franchise cornerstone. With fewer touches going to a veteran like Thompson, Flagg can continue to grow into his role without pressure. For Dallas, this trade balances competing in the present while building toward the future.

The Bigger Picture

From a league-wide perspective, this trade would be a blockbuster not because of the players involved, but because of the storylines it revives. Seeing Steph Curry and Klay Thompson back together would ignite nostalgia across the NBA. Fans who watched the Warriors dominate from 2015 to 2022 would once again see the Splash Brothers terrorizing defenses.

For the Mavericks, it symbolizes the transition from one era to the next. Moving on from Thompson is not just a roster move — it is a commitment to building around Irving, Davis, and Flagg. It acknowledges that the franchise is no longer defined by aging stars but by the promise of its younger core.

Final Verdict

This Warriors-Mavericks mock trade makes sense for both sides. The Warriors get their iconic shooting guard back and attempt one more championship run with Curry, Thompson, Green, and Butler. The Mavericks exchange an aging star for a younger shooter and a promising big man, strengthening both their present and their future.

For Golden State, it’s about finishing the story of the Splash Brothers. For Dallas, it’s about turning the page. Both paths are valid, and both serve the long-term visions of their franchises.

If executed, this deal would not just be a basketball trade — it would be a moment of history. Fans would witness one of the most beloved duos in NBA history reunited for a final act, while a rising team like Dallas takes a step closer to its future identity.