Klay Thompson Heads to Heat After Mavericks Buyout
Klay Thompson Heads to Heat After Mavericks Buyout
The News
Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks agreed to a contract buyout Friday, and the four-time NBA champion is expected to sign with the Miami Heat once he clears waivers, according to multiple reports.
The buyout ends a two-year run in Dallas. Thompson was entering the final season of a three-year, $50 million deal he signed in 2024, with $17.5 million left for 2026-27.
Terms of the buyout and of any Miami contract have not been reported.
Timeline
Thompson leaves Golden State — where he won four titles — and signs a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas.
He shoots 38.3% from three-point range across 69 appearances.
Miami acquires Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee, remaking the Heat roster.
Dallas announces Thompson is no longer with the organization. Within hours, Reuters and other outlets report he is expected to join the Heat.
Reactions
The New York Post framed the move as Thompson spurning Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers, who had been floated as a homecoming landing spot; Heavy reported Thompson had called that scenario his "dream" before deciding against it.
Golden State also had interest in a reunion, according to reports, and is now out of the running. Heavy called the outcome confirmation of a worst-case Warriors offseason.
Dallas, which could not find a trade partner for Thompson, is rebuilding around rookie Cooper Flagg under new lead executive Masai Ujiri and new head coach Dusty May.
What's Next
Thompson has to clear waivers before Miami can sign him. Any team could claim him first, though that would mean absorbing his contract.
If he lands in Miami, he joins a rotation built around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Perimeter shooting was the obvious hole on the new-look Heat: Antetokounmpo draws heavy defensive attention, which should generate open looks for a shooter of Thompson's profile.
More
Thompson ranks fourth all-time in NBA history in three-pointers made. At 38.3% from deep last season over 69 games, he remains a volume floor-spacer — the specific skill Miami spent the offseason looking for.
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