Four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson recently reflected on the state of his current team, the Dallas Mavericks, following the departure of star guard Luka Dončić in early February.
Thompson and Dončić spent only a few months as teammates before the Slovenian playmaker was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 2. Many consider the move one of the most surprising trades in NBA history.
Mavericks’ New Look
In exchange for Dončić, the Mavericks brought in a new star, frontcourt player Anthony Davis, along with rising shooting guard Max Christie and the Lakers’ 2029 first-round draft pick.
Despite ongoing injury challenges, Thompson remains optimistic about the Mavericks’ potential under coach Jason Kidd.
“I truly believe in this team, especially when we’re at full strength,” Thompson said in an interview with The Athletic.
“I know what a championship team looks and feels like. We have what it takes—we just need to get healthy and stay strong until then.”
The team is currently battling injuries, including Davis (thigh), Daniel Gafford (knee), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Caleb Martin (hip).
Current Standings and Outlook
The Mavericks are in eighth place in the Western Conference, tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both teams trail the Golden State Warriors by half a game and the Los Angeles Clippers by one game, who occupy the seventh and sixth spots, respectively.
Meanwhile, Dončić’s Lakers are currently in fourth place, just one game behind the Denver Nuggets, who sit in third.