Klay Thompson Trade Path Blocks Warriors Reunion as Dallas Digs In

Dallas isn't handing Klay Thompson his freedom. Multiple insiders report the Mavericks have been reluctant to negotiate a buyout, and instead want to move the 36-year-old guard via trade — a stance driven entirely by the demand building around him. Thompson averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 69 games last season (2025-26), good for just 17.8 fantasy points per game and our rank of #245 overall.

The wrinkle for Golden State fans hoping for a reunion: a buyout was the cleanest path back to the Bay. Miami, the Clippers and the Warriors are all reportedly circling, and Dallas reads that interest as leverage. With 16 guaranteed contracts on a roster that can only carry 15 into the season, Thompson looks like the odd man out — but the Mavs have until the day before opening night to sort it and plan to take their time.

Curry Isn't Going Anywhere (Yet)

The Thompson saga feeds a bigger question that's been simmering all summer: Stephen Curry's future with the Warriors. Golden State whiffed on LeBron James and other free-agent targets, essentially running back a 37-win team while waiting on Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler health. That's fueled speculation that even a lifer like Curry might eventually push for a ring elsewhere.

Curry has consistently said he wants to spend his whole career in one place, and by his own account he's been in the loop with the front office all summer. Reporting suggests the dialogue between Curry and GM Mike Dunleavy has been ongoing for years — Curry understands the plan, even if the plan hasn't produced another star since the Butler deal before the 2025 deadline.

The read around the league is that Golden State is operating the right way: swinging big without torching flexibility on desperation moves. Whether that lands another star while Curry's still in blue and gold is an open question, but nothing here suggests an exit is imminent.

Kuminga's Market Is Cratering

The other domino is Jonathan Kuminga, whose offseason has gone sideways. Sacramento is reportedly out unless he'll take a minimum deal, and Cleveland — which largely stood pat and drew 'offseason loser' labels — has been floated as a suitor. Reporting throws cold water on the Cavs landing Kuminga or Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson, citing Cleveland's cap crunch and thin asset base.

A Kuminga sign-and-trade is a logistical mess. Atlanta has told teams it'll facilitate one but only if properly incentivized, and the Hawks already carry 17 players under contract, meaning they'd have to shed salary just to breathe. The likely outcome: Kuminga signs somewhere well below his own valuation and has to re-prove his worth.

In Sacramento, the pivot is toward rookie point guard Darius Acuff out of Arkansas, now billed as a cornerstone. Zach LaVine's $49 million tag makes him effectively untradable, and Domantas Sabonis (two years, $94 million) is staying too — partly because the contract is immovable, partly because he's a genuine offensive hub for Acuff to grow alongside. Both veterans reportedly reached out to Acuff after the draft, and the Kings are eyeing a veteran backup point guard, with Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo under consideration.

The Fantasy Fallout

Sabonis is the clear fantasy anchor of this whole mess. He posted 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists for 36.2 fantasy points per game across 19 games last season (2025-26), and his last five ran +2.9 above that average. A rookie-led offense flowing through him only firms up his floor — he's a stable draft target, not a name to overthink.

Thompson is the one to sit on your hands with. At 17.8 FPTS/G last season (2025-26) and #111 at his position, his value is entirely landing-spot dependent — a Miami or Clippers role looks different than a Golden State bench cameo. Don't spend real draft capital until his address is confirmed. Kuminga is a pure speculative stash for deep leagues only; a minimum deal in a crowded rotation caps his upside. WATCH all of them until the roster music stops.