Klay Thompson has made it clear he is not interested in revisiting hypotheticals or second-guessing the decisions that brought him to Dallas.
When asked whether he would still have chosen the Mavericks if he had known Luka Doncic would later be traded, Thompson dismissed the idea of rewriting history and emphasized his forward-looking mindset.
“That’s kind of a ridiculous question because I don’t own a time machine and don’t believe in going back or looking back,” Thompson said.
“If I did that my whole career, I would not be where I’m at, and I wouldn’t have been able to persevere through two really hard injuries. So, I’m here in Dallas, and I enjoyed my time, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
That perspective reflects how Thompson has approached much of his career, especially after enduring devastating injuries that cost him nearly three full seasons.
Rather than dwell on alternate paths, he has consistently focused on adapting to new roles and circumstances, even as his situation in Dallas continues to evolve.
While Thompson has publicly embraced his present, league sources indicate he would still prefer to end his career competing for championships.
With the Mavericks expected to test the trade market for the veteran shooter, his contract, worth $16.6 million this season and $17.5 million next year, could make him a realistic option for teams seeking playoff experience and perimeter shooting.
Statistically, this season has represented a shift. Thompson is averaging a career-low 11.1 points per game, but his efficiency and comfort level have improved since moving into a bench role.
He is now shooting 36 percent from three-point range on 7.8 attempts per game, showing signs of settling into a rhythm after early struggles.
