As the trade deadline approaches, the Dallas Mavericks are grappling with the possibility of trading veteran Klay Thompson. With Thompson’s desire to play for a contender at this point in his career, the Mavericks find themselves in a position where they can handle his departure thanks to the emergence of young talent Max Christie.
Currently, the Mavericks are facing a shortage of 3-point shooting, but Christie has proven to be a reliable option, boasting an impressive 46.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc on an average of 5.2 attempts per game. Head Coach Jason Kidd has expressed interest in increasing Christie’s shooting volume to approximately 10 attempts per game, a strategy that could be crucial should the team choose to trade Thompson. The growth of Christie offers Dallas a promising outlook as they navigate their roster decisions.
Although there are no guarantees that Thompson will be traded by the February 5 deadline, Christie’s talent provides the Mavericks with a safety net for the future. At under 23 years of age, Christie’s development is noteworthy, particularly if he maintains the work ethic that has brought him this far.
Christie not only resembles Thompson in terms of skill set but also brings a fresh dynamic to the game. While he is still developing his shooting off the move and could increase his volume, his shooting efficiency, especially when driving to the basket, showcases his potential. Moreover, Christie’s performance as a perimeter defender positions him as an ideal modern-day 3-and-D wing player, a characteristic the Mavericks desperately need with Thompson’s career winding down.
In interviews, Christie has acknowledged the valuable insights he has gained from Thompson, which may lend a silver lining should Thompson remain with the team beyond the trade deadline. The Mavericks coaching staff has already recognized Christie’s superior talent, leading to his starting role over Thompson. Despite being a key player for the Mavericks, Thompson’s exit might not be detrimental for Dallas if the right offer arises.
Dallas General Manager Nico Harrison’s decision to trade for Thompson earlier added some complexity to the roster, as they still seek to enhance their shooting capabilities following the Luka Dončić trade. Luckily, acquiring Christie has alleviated some of the team’s shooting concerns, providing a bright future for the Mavericks.
As the Mavericks look to build a stronger team around emerging star Cooper Flagg, adding more shooting is still a priority. However, the arrival of Christie is a significant step toward solidifying their offense, as he is expected to become one of the league’s top volume 3-point shooters and deliver versatility on both ends of the court.