According to recent reports, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as a strong candidate in a potential sign-and-trade deal for Golden State Warriors' shooting guard, Klay Thompson. The news comes amidst whispers of a potential exit for Thompson from the Warriors.

Thompson's connections with the Los Angeles Lakers, where his father Mychael Thompson played from 1987 to 1991, had initially sparked speculation about a potential move to the Lakers. However, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that sources within the Lakers organization consider the Mavericks as the team to beat in the race for Thompson's signature.

Despite the lure of the Lakers, league sources appear to be unanimous in their opinion of strong mutual interest between Thompson and the Mavericks. The Athletic's Tim Kawakami also backs this claim, naming the Mavericks as a "strong candidate" for a sign-and-trade deal.

Thompson's effectiveness from behind the arc has shown a slight decline with the Warriors in the past season. Talks between the team and the player seemed to have "frozen" as the Warriors prioritized other trade targets over re-signing the veteran, as reported by The Athletic's Anthony Slater. However, Thompson's 11 seasons with the Warriors included four championship campaigns, and he was an integral part of the team's backcourt alongside Stephen Curry at his peak.

Even if the Golden State Warriors no longer have a place for Thompson in their lineup beyond the 2024-2025 season, they may be willing to assist the former key member of their roster in his transition to his next team. A sign-and-trade deal with the Mavericks could serve as an opportunity for the Warriors to recoup some valuable assets in return.

As talks continue and free agency beckons, fans and NBA enthusiasts eagerly await the final decision of Klay Thompson. Will he be donning a Mavericks jersey, or will another team swoop in with an enticing offer? Only time will tell, but the Mavericks have undeniably positioned themselves as a prime contender in the race for the talented shooting guard's services.

Stay tuned for further updates on Klay Thompson's future as the dynamic offseason continues to unfold.