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Dallas is preparing a revolution: Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford on the way out

The Texan franchise is seriously considering freeing up spaces in its roster to continue rebuilding around Cooper Flagg.

Klay Thompson, options outside of the Dallas Mavericks. Photo: gettyimages

Dallas Mavericks continues to outline a reconstruction that seems more evident every day. According to the latest information from Evan Sidery, the franchise is very open to trading Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford to free up minutes and accelerate the development of the new core led by Cooper Flagg. While the market remains practically frozen awaiting the final decision of LeBron James, Texas already seems very clear about the direction of the project. (x.com)

The feeling is that the Mavericks have moved away from the immediate pursuit of a championship to bet on a much more progressive growth process. Everything now revolves around Flagg, considered the franchise's cornerstone for the future. In this context, the continuity of veterans like Klay Thompson makes less sense, while other established players like Daniel Gafford or PJ Washington could also become assets to continue accumulating resources for the future.

Klay Thompson no longer fits in the new project

When Dallas bet on Klay Thompson, the goal was very different.

The franchise aimed to surround its stars with experience, outside shooting, and a player accustomed to competing for championships. However, the scenario has completely changed in recent months.

Today, the project no longer revolves around a veteran group with immediate aspirations but around a generational player like Cooper Flagg. And that completely alters the sports priorities.

At 36, Klay remains a prestigious shooter, but he no longer represents a cornerstone for building the future. If Dallas truly wants to maximize the development of its young players, his minutes could be much better invested in players with long-term potential.

Therefore, it would not be surprising if the franchise tried to find him an exit through a trade or even explore other options if the market does not offer a satisfactory deal.

Daniel Gafford also attracts interest

The situation of Daniel Gafford is different but follows the same logic.

The center remains a very valuable player and would likely have a market among championship-contending teams. Precisely for that reason, Dallas could leverage that interest to obtain assets that better fit the new roadmap.

Furthermore, the franchise has interior alternatives and believes that the project's growth does not depend so much on keeping Gafford as on continuing to surround Flagg with young players with potential and room for growth.

It would not be an exit motivated by poor performance but rather a purely strategic decision.

All signs point to a reconstruction around Cooper Flagg

Every move made by the Mavericks seems to reinforce the same idea.

Cooper Flagg is no longer just the player with the most potential on the roster. He has become the absolute core of the sports project.

The organization wants him to have as many minutes as possible, to take on responsibilities from day one, and for the team to grow at the same pace as him. To achieve this, it makes sense to reduce the prominence of veteran players whose competitive window does not align with the new franchise leader's.

It is a strategy that many organizations have successfully pursued when incorporating a generational talent.

Kyrie Irving's departure seems only a matter of time

Another sensation that fits into this process and is gaining strength in the NBA is Kyrie Irving's seeming imminent departure from Dallas.

Although no deal has been finalized yet, the guard has been featured frequently in market rumors for weeks, giving the impression that the franchise sees it as inevitable to part ways.

Keeping a veteran star with a significant contract does not seem compatible with a deep reconstruction around Flagg. Furthermore, Irving still holds enough value to generate an interesting return if he eventually hits the market.

All signs point to his departure from Texas sooner or later.

LeBron continues to freeze the market

Although Dallas has a clear direction, there is still a factor that continues to influence many pending moves: LeBron James.

The four-time champion's decision continues to block numerous operations throughout the league. Many franchises prefer to wait and see his destination before closing significant trades, as his choice could completely shift the NBA's balance of power.

The Mavericks are also monitoring this outcome, although their strategy seems pretty defined regardless of where the King ends up playing.

A new stage begins in Dallas

It appears that the Mavericks have acknowledged it's time to start a new cycle.

The potential departures of Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and PJ Washington, along with the expectation that Kyrie Irving will also leave the franchise, reflect a clear commitment to the future.

That future has a name: Cooper Flagg.

Dallas aims to build a project capable of competing for many years and is prepared to make tough decisions to achieve that. Letting go of established players always carries risks, but it may also be the necessary price to expedite the growth of a talent destined to leave a mark on the NBA.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Dallas prepara una revolución: Klay Thompson y Daniel Gafford, en la rampa de salida