How Jason Kidd’s perfect move could help the Mavericks trade Klay Thompson
Jason Kidd has endured its share of ups and downs as Dallas Mavericks head coach, but one recent decision he made could help the Mavs in a key way before the NBA trade deadline. Kidd made a move to bring Klay Thompson off the bench earlier in the season. Not only did the move lead to better production from Thompson, but it shows that Thompson is ready to play a bench role. If it is The Mavs want to trade Thompson — which has been rumored for the past few weeks — potential suitors may be more confident playing him off the bench if that’s the direction they want to go.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, Thompson has started 814 of the 865 games he has played in his NBA career. Through 32 games played in the 2025-26 season, Thompson started just eight contests. He is averaging 11.9 points per game off the bench this season compared to 8.8 points per game as a starter.
While there was a time when the idea of Thompson coming off the bench would have seemed absurd, it seems to be the best decision at this time.
If Kidd never made the move to Thompson’s bench, one has to imagine that certain potential suitors may have balked at the idea of buying him. There are teams that make sense as landing destinations for Klay, but only if he serves on the bench.
Will Klay Thompson still be open to the bench if there is a trade?
While there’s no guarantee Thompson will like coming off the bench — as one of the reasons he was rumored to come to Dallas was to start — he’s handled the situation like a pro. Thompson has not complained and continues to work hard. Klay wants to win more than anything, and he may be willing to come off the bench for a contender if there is a chance to win a championship.
Jason Kidd has made some questionable decisions as Mavericks head coach — such as starting Cooper Flagg at point guard to begin the 2025-26 campaign — but the Mavericks front office is certainly pleased with his handling of Klay Thompson’s role this season. This move should make a trade much easier if Dallas does decide to move on from Thompson.
2026-01-04 01:45:00
