
April 7, 2026, Inglewood, California, USA: Klay Thompson 31 of the Dallas Mavericks during warmups before a 2026 NBA, Basketball Herren, USA regular season game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday April 7, 2026 at Intuit Dome Arena in Inglewood, California. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Inglewood USA - ZUMAp124 20260407_zaa_p124_017 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
April 7, 2026, Inglewood, California, USA: Klay Thompson 31 of the Dallas Mavericks during warmups before a 2026 NBA, Basketball Herren, USA regular season game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday April 7, 2026 at Intuit Dome Arena in Inglewood, California. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Inglewood USA - ZUMAp124 20260407_zaa_p124_017 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a busy offseason, but it looks like they are far from finished, as a potential star signing is on the horizon if everything falls into place.
For that to happen, an important area of focus remains getting rid of contracts the Lakers do not seem to fit. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht are the names heavily mentioned in trade talks.
While the Lakers have actively pursued Jonathan Kuminga throughout the summer, that deal looks to be off. More recently, they have been linked to a potential trade for Klay Thompson.
"The Lakers are emerging as a potential destination for Klay Thompson. Thompson would be set up consistently for great shots by Luka Doncic, an attractive element. LA also possesses the necessary salary-matching contracts to pull off a trade instead of competing after a buyout," Sidery wrote.

Credits - Imago
Credits - Imago
The trade for Thompson with Vanderbilt makes sense, both on and off the court.
Vanderbilt has two years and close to $25.7 million remaining on his current deal with the Lakers, while Thompson is owed around $17.5 million next season. But it would be the last remaining year on his bloated contract.
This way, Rob Pelinka can pay more now but save money later.
Performance-wise, this deal helps out both the Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. It would give the Mavericks another versatile defender, while the Lakers will add one of the greatest shooters of this generation to pair alongside Luka Doncic.
While a deal is looking possible, the question remains whether Thompson would like to move to Los Angeles.
Would Klay Thompson Be Open to a Move to the Lakers?
According to Christian Clark of The Athletic, Klay would be more than open to a move, especially to the Lakers.
"My understanding is that Thompson would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home," Clark reported.
While Klay is a shell of his former self during the Golden State Warriors dynasty, a talent like him still has his moments and can provide JJ Redick's team with some important minutes off the bench.
Moreover, with an expiring contract, Klay can be off the books by next summer if things don't work out between him and the Lakers. A win-win, low-risk situation.
So, would you like to see Klay Thompson in the purple and gold attire? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by

Joy Bassy
Edited by

Joy Bassy