Mavericks’ Dream Klay Thompson Replacement Is Hiding in Plain Sight

January 05, 2026

The Dallas Mavericks are at a pivotal moment in the 2025-26 NBA season. Sitting at 13-23 and firmly outside the Western Conference playoff picture, the team faces mounting speculation about veteran guard Klay Thompson. The future Hall of Famer, now 35, has seen his production dip to 11.1 points per game on 37.4% shooting and 35.3% from three across 33 games, often coming off the bench after head coach Jason Kidd demoted him early in the campaign. Reports from ESPN and ClutchPoints indicate Dallas is openly exploring the trade market for Thompson, whose $16.7 million salary this year and $17.5 million player option next season no longer align perfectly with a roster pivoting toward youth anchored by rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.

Yet, as trade rumors swirl—linking Thompson to potential destinations like the Golden State Warriors for nostalgia, the Los Angeles Lakers for a LeBron James reunion, or even the San Antonio Spurs for salary relief—the Mavericks may not need to look far for his successor. Max Christie, the 22-year-old wing acquired in last February’s blockbuster Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade, has emerged as a breakout performer, providing elite shooting, defensive versatility, and upside that mirrors a younger version of Thompson’s 3-and-D archetype.

Christie’s numbers tell a compelling story: Through mid-season, he’s averaging around 12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting an impressive 46.6% from three on solid volume. Recent standout performances include 24 points (including 4-of-6 from deep) in a win over Houston and 25 points with five threes in a close loss to Portland. As one of the few bright spots on a struggling Mavericks squad—ranking near the bottom in team three-point percentage—Christie has earned consistent starting minutes, often guarding the opponent’s best perimeter threat.

Head coach Jason Kidd has praised Christie’s growth, noting his ability to space the floor for Flagg’s playmaking and Anthony Davis’s interior dominance (when healthy). “Max has that green light,” Kidd has said, encouraging more attempts from beyond the arc. Christie’s efficiency, combined with his 6’5″ frame and quickness, positions him as the ideal modern wing to complement Dallas’ young core.

Christie’s Rise: From Trade Filler to Cornerstone Piece

When the Mavericks shipped Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Davis, Christie, and draft compensation (which became the No. 1 pick for Flagg), many viewed the young guard as salary ballast. A former second-round pick out of Michigan State, Christie had shown flashes in Los Angeles but averaged modest minutes and production.

In Dallas, opportunity knocked. With Kyrie Irving sidelined long-term by an ACL injury and the team desperately needing perimeter shooting, Christie seized his chance. Early-season struggles gave way to consistency: career highs in points, efficiency, and three-point accuracy. Advanced metrics highlight his impact—Dallas’ net rating improves noticeably with him on the floor, thanks to his off-ball movement (reminiscent of Thompson’s Warriors days) and ability to knock down open looks created by Flagg’s gravity.

Compare the two directly:

Christie’s youth and cost-controlled deal (descending salaries peaking under $9 million) make him a seamless fit for Dallas’ timeline. Flagg, at 19, is already posting near-19 points and Rookie of the Month honors; pairing him with Christie creates a dynamic, switchable perimeter duo for years.

Why Trading Thompson Makes Perfect Sense Now

Thompson’s market remains active despite his dip—teams view him as a veteran shooter for a playoff push, and his willingness to accept a bench role (after starting nearly his entire career) boosts appeal. Moving him could yield a late first-round pick, a young prospect, or salary relief, helping Dallas accumulate assets lost in prior deals.

Christie’s emergence removes any hesitation. No longer reliant on Thompson’s volume shooting, the Mavericks can confidently pivot. If Davis trade talks heat up (rumors link him to Atlanta, Golden State, or others), retaining perimeter depth becomes crucial—and Christie provides it at a fraction of the cost.

Potential returns for Thompson:

• A protected first from a contender.
• A young wing like Dalton Knecht (in Lakers scenarios).
• Cap flexibility to pursue free agents or consolidate in multi-team deals.

Christie’s Ceiling: The Next Great 3-and-D Wing?

Scouts rave about Christie’s tools: length for contests, quick release on catch-and-shoot, and improving playmaking. He’s not yet Thompson’s volume scorer but projects as a high-end starter—think prime Kentavious Caldwell-Pope with better offensive upside.

Challenges persist: consistency against elite competition and adding strength. But under Kidd’s guidance and alongside mentors like Thompson (ironically passing the torch), Christie is accelerating.

Fan reactions echo optimism: Social media buzzes with “Christie is our Klay 2.0” sentiments, while analysts note he’s the “steal” of the Dončić trade.

Dallas’ Bigger Picture: Building Around Flagg

With limited draft capital ahead and a disappointing record, the front office (operating under interim leadership post-Nico Harrison) prioritizes youth. Trading veterans like Thompson (and potentially Davis or Daniel Gafford) for picks/prospects accelerates a retool around Flagg-Christie.

Owner Patrick Dumont and Kidd emphasize development; Christie’s glow-up validates that approach.

In a season defined by transition—from Dončić’s exit to Flagg’s arrival—Max Christie stands as the hidden gem. The dream Klay replacement isn’t incoming via trade. He’s already wearing Mavericks blue, ready to step into the spotlight.