Klay Thompson Emerges as the Biggest Winner from the Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis Trade
The NBA world was left in disbelief when the blockbuster trade between Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis was officially announced. Fans and analysts alike questioned the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to move on from Dončić, who is still just 25 years old and widely regarded as one of the league’s most gifted players.
While some argue that the Mavericks were concerned about Dončić’s long-term durability, fearing a Joel Embiid-like situation due to lingering injury concerns, the trade remains one of the most surprising moves in recent memory. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis bid an emotional farewell to Los Angeles, stating that the city would “always have a place in my heart” before being handed the No. 3 jersey in Dallas.
Amid all the discussion about Dončić and Davis, NBA legend Vince Carter has pointed out an overlooked winner in this blockbuster deal—Klay Thompson.
How Klay Thompson Benefits from the Trade
There’s no doubt that moving on from Dončić was a bold decision by the Mavericks. Many within the organization, including PJ Washington, admitted that watching Dončić leave “sucks.” While Washington’s comment wasn’t a slight against the incoming Davis—who remains one of the league’s top talents—it reflected the deep connection that both fans and players had with the Slovenian star.
However, one Mavericks player who may quietly welcome this trade is Klay Thompson.
Since arriving in Dallas, Thompson has struggled to make the same impact he once had with the Golden State Warriors, where he won three NBA championships alongside Stephen Curry as part of the iconic “Splash Brothers” duo. Some of these struggles may have been linked to Dončić’s ball-dominant playstyle, which often dictated the Mavericks’ offensive flow.
Former NBA star Vince Carter explained why Thompson could thrive post-trade, saying:
“I think this makes Klay Thompson a little more valuable because Luka is a guy who is very ball-dominant. He makes the right play, but he’s ball-dominant. Now you can get the ball up, let’s play fast, and that’s where Klay thrives.”
With Dončić gone, Carter believes that the Mavericks will now play at a faster pace, which could help Thompson regain his elite sharpshooting form. The new-look Mavericks offense will feature:
- Anthony Davis as a dominant inside presence
- Kyrie Irving as the primary ball handler
- More off-ball movement for Thompson
This faster, free-flowing style of play could be exactly what Thompson needs to rediscover his confidence and efficiency.
Thompson’s Declining Numbers in Dallas
Despite his reputation as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Thompson has struggled to find his rhythm since joining the Mavericks.
Thompson’s 2023-24 Stats with Dallas:
- Points per game: 13.5 (lowest since his rookie season)
- Rebounds per game: 3.4
- Assists per game: 2.0
His three-point efficiency has also taken a hit, and his missed game-tying shot against the Charlotte Hornets highlighted his drop in confidence—something that would have been unthinkable during his Warriors prime.
For Thompson, the arrival of Anthony Davis presents a golden opportunity to regain his impactful role on a contending team. With Davis attracting defensive attention inside, Thompson should find himself freer to get open looks from beyond the arc, an area where he has historically thrived.
What This Trade Means for the Mavericks’ Championship Hopes
The Mavericks made this trade with one goal in mind: winning an NBA Championship. After falling just short in last year’s NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, the team is eager to take the next step.
With Dončić gone and Davis in, the Mavericks will rely heavily on a defensive anchor in Davis while allowing Kyrie Irving and Thompson to control the perimeter offense. If Thompson can return to his elite shooting form, he could be a game-changer in the Mavericks’ quest for a title.
Key Questions Moving Forward:
- Will Klay Thompson return to his prime form in a new system?
- Can Anthony Davis stay healthy and be the franchise cornerstone Dallas hopes for?
- Will Kyrie Irving embrace a leadership role in Dončić’s absence?
While these questions remain unanswered, one thing is clear—Klay Thompson stands to be one of the biggest winners of this massive trade.
Final Thoughts
The Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade will go down as one of the most talked-about moves in NBA history. While much of the spotlight is on the two superstars involved, Klay Thompson quietly emerges as a major beneficiary.
With Dončić’s ball-dominant style gone and a faster offense in place, Thompson has the chance to revitalize his career and once again become a key contributor to a championship contender.
As the NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Dallas—not just to see how Davis performs, but to witness whether Klay Thompson can finally return to the player who once dominated the league from beyond the arc.
