Klay Thompson chose the Mavs over the Lakers to play with Luka Doncic. Could a trade happen now?

As it is The Dallas Mavericks’ struggles deepen after firing their general manager Nico Harrison, new details have emerged about it Klay ThompsonA free agency decision last summer — one that could come full circle soon.

According to The Athletic, Thompson decided to sign with the Mavericks primarily to play together Luka Dončić than to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis with Los Angeles Lakers. In a joint report by Joe Vardon, Christian Clark and Sam Amick, the outlet revealed that Thompson refused a richer offer from the Lakers in favor of a chance to team up with Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

“As reported at the time, the Lakers and Thompson discussed a four-year, $80 million deal in free agency that — had the Warriors cooperated in a sign-and-trade — would have been less than the three-year, $50 million deal the Mavericks would have ultimately given him,” the report said. “But the appeal of Doncic’s size was a big draw, as was the chance to team up with Irving in the backcourt. When given the choice between teaming up with the Lakers’ duo of Davis and LeBron James or the Mavericks’ all-stars, Thompson made a calculated decision to go with the latter.”

The move was considered a brave choice at the time, especially after Dallas reached the 2024 NBA Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics in five games. However, the landscape changed dramatically when Doncic was traded to the Lakers last February in a blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick.

The Mavericks are evaluating Klay Thompson trade options as Luka Doncic moves forward with the Lakers

Now, with Dallas at 3-8 and 14th in the Western Conference, Thompson’s decision is being reconsidered. ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel reported that The Mavericks are expected to evaluate potential trade scenarios including Thompson ahead of schedule.

“It’s no secret that Harrison and the Mavericks front office will explore what kind of return there is for Klay Thompson before the trade deadline, and several teams are monitoring Daniel Gafford’s status, sources said,” Siegel wrote. “Coincidentally, one of the teams with a lot of interest in Gafford since last season is the Los Angeles Lakers.

Thompson, 35, is struggling to find a rhythm in his new surroundings. In 10 games, he is averaging 7.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and two assists per game, while shooting 31.4 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from three in 19.7 minutes. His production is down sharply from his final season with Golden State, when he averaged 17.9 points per game.

As for Doncic, the 26-year-old star has thrived in his first full season in Los Angeles. He is averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from the bench, leading the Lakers to an 8-3 record and fourth place in the West.

The Mavericks open a three-game homestand Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns (6-5), while Doncic and the Lakers continue their five-game road trip against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (11-1) at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN.