It’s been a rollercoaster season for the Dallas Mavericks fanbase, but veteran guard Klay Thompson is calling on fans to keep the faith. Thompson just wrapped up his first year in Dallas, and it turned out to be an eventful one filled with roster moves, injuries, and a blockbuster trade that sent superstar Luka Doncic out of town. Despite losing the Slovenian All-Star, Thompson still believes this team has what it takes to compete.
Klay Thompson Asks Fans: ‘Stick With Us’ After Mavs’ Collapse, Luka’s Exit
The Mavericks’ season ended Friday night with a 120-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in a win-or-go-home matchup at FedExForum. After the game, Thompson was asked what message he had for the loyal fan base that had to endure a year of heartbreak and frustration.
“ We greatly appreciate you guys. I know it was a tough season for ’em. Obviously, losing Luka — it probably was heartbreaking for them, but we still try to do our best and give them a product they’d be proud of. And just stick with us. I really believe we can do something special when we get whole again.”
Klay Thompson's message to Dallas Mavericks fans after play-in elimination:
" We greatly appreciate you guys. I know it was a tough season for 'em. Obviously, losing Luka—it probably was heartbreaking for them, but we still try to do our best and give them a product they'd be… pic.twitter.com/kHgF8Y337r
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth)
Thompson also made a point to thank the fans for sticking by the team through all the chaos. It’s not easy to stay locked in when your franchise player is shipped off midseason and the team goes from Finals contention to barely hanging onto a play-in spot.
After winning 50 games and making a run to the NBA Finals last year, Dallas couldn’t recapture that magic. They finished with just 39 wins and looked out of sync down the stretch.
The trade that sent Doncic packing was a significant turning point. Fans were vocal in their frustration, with much of the blame pointed at general manager Nico Harrison. Doncic had been named to five straight All-NBA first teams and led the league in scoring the year before. He was the face of the franchise, and losing him midseason left a massive void.
At the time of the trade, Dallas held a 26-23 record. They went 13-20 the rest of the way.
Thompson Believes a Healthy Mavericks Roster Can Be Contenders in 2026
Injuries didn’t help either. All-Star Anthony Davis missed most of February and March. Kyrie Irving has been sidelined since March 3. Key rotation players like Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Caleb Martin, and Dante Exum also missed big chunks of time.
Still, Thompson believes there’s a bright future ahead. With young talent like P.J. Washington, Max Christie, and Lively, there’s a foundation to build on. And if the trio of Thompson, Irving, and Davis can stay healthy next season, Dallas could easily jump back into the contender conversation.
“We’ve got the pieces,” Thompson said. “Now we just have to get everyone on the court.”
