The Dallas Mavericks are going through it. Not just their fan base, not just their front office, but everyone involved with the organization. Some bumps were to be expected after they traded away Luka Doncic, a generational superstar and fan favorite. However, the road has been even more rocky than anyone predicted.
Mavs’ Kyrie Irving Reaffirms Commitment Amid Rock Season
Fortunately for the Mavericks, they have multiple players who are still committed to the franchise.
Anthony Davis wants to prove he’s worthy to be Doncic’s replacement. Kyrie Irving, though protective of Doncic, is expected to re-sign. Klay Thompson, who joined the Mavs last offseason, still wants to help Dallas raise a championship banner.
Klay Thompson on Mavericks: “I still believe in this franchise, I’m here for two more seasons after this, so I’d love to help them return to glory that they were brought to in 2011.” pic.twitter.com/l8qM13Lgcs
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) March 11, 2025
“I still believe in this franchise, I’m here for two more seasons after this, so I’d love to help them return to glory that they were brought to in 2011,” he tells reporters.
Just Business Or Bad Blood?
Thompson’s comments come during the most chaotic era in Mavericks history. Ironically, when Dallas decided to sign him, he was supposed to stabilize their championship chances. However, whether it was Doncic’s work ethic, defensive performance, impending contract or a combination of the three, the Mavericks wanted to move on from the former No. 3 pick.
Indeed, Dallas wanted to get rid of him so badly that they seem to have rushed the trade. That Irving had to act as an intermediary only leaves room for more speculation. This doesn’t seem like a move that was made strictly as a business decision. For whatever reason, the front office and the face of the franchise weren’t on good terms.
Shams Charania also called Kyrie Irving the “go-between” for the Dallas Mavericks front office and Luka Dončić amid a “strained relationship.”
When discussing Irving’s reaction to the trade, Jason Kidd mentioned that Irving “probably saw things differently.” https://t.co/qhdFW3RM71 pic.twitter.com/ltaO7gSAYZ
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 4, 2025
Nevertheless, if anyone understands how things can go sour, it’s Thompson. After all, his hard feelings led to him leaving the Warriors, the only NBA team he had ever known.
Before he left Golden State, Thompson also witnessed Durant depart despite winning back-to-back Finals MVPs there. That relationship may not have been tainted by bad blood. Durant had myriad reasons for wanting to get out of The Bay. Still, it just goes to show how major and unexpected changes can happen in the blink of an eye.
Golden Lone Star State?
Like Durant, Thompson is probably questioning if the grass is greener on the other side or if life is what you make it. Even if the Mavs would’ve been better than expected without Doncic, they seemingly suffered too many blows after that to remain in title contention.
Was leaving the Warriors was the right choice?
Interestingly, Durant’s now on the verge of being traded for the second time since then. In fact, the Mavericks are considered to be one of his potential offseason trade suitors. Fate or the basketball gods bringing Durant and Thompson together would be ironic in more ways than one. Nevertheless, it might be exactly what they need in order for them to end their careers on the right foot.
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
