Mavericks buy out Klay Thompson, veteran guard expected to join Heat
The Dallas Mavericks have bought out the final year of Klay Thompson's contract, and the four-time NBA champion is expected to sign with the Miami Heat, according to reports.
The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a contract buyout with Klay Thompson, clearing the way for the four-time NBA champion to join the Miami Heat, according to multiple reports. The five-time All-Star is expected to sign a two-year deal worth nearly $13 million with Miami once he clears waivers, sources told ESPN on Friday.
Thompson, 36, was scheduled to earn $17.5 million in the final season of his contract with Dallas. The Mavericks confirmed the roster move Friday, ending a two-year stint in which Thompson averaged 12.9 points across 141 regular-season appearances. He joined Dallas in 2024 via a sign-and-trade after spending 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, where he helped the franchise capture four championships.
His expected arrival in South Florida would give the Heat another proven perimeter threat as the team builds around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, was acquired by Miami in a blockbuster trade in June. Thompson has long been regarded as one of the league's premier 3-point shooters, a reputation built during his prime years alongside Stephen Curry in Golden State.
Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri praised Thompson's impact during his time in Dallas. "Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization," Ujiri said in a statement. "We have tremendous respect for Klay and all that he has accomplished throughout his career, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward."
Thompson's career includes a notable resilience chapter. He missed back-to-back seasons earlier in his career while recovering from an Achilles injury, then returned to help the Warriors reach the playoffs again. His durability and shooting ability have kept him in demand even as he entered the later stages of his career.
The Mavericks are coming off a difficult 2025-26 campaign, finishing with a 26-56 record. Head coach Jason Kidd departed after five seasons, with the franchise describing the move as a mutual decision. Dallas hired Dusty May in June after he led Michigan to the NCAA Division I men's national championship in April.
For Miami, adding Thompson would address a need for outside shooting and veteran leadership. The Heat have been aggressive in reshaping their roster around Antetokounmpo, and Thompson's ability to space the floor and stretch defenses could complement the reigning MVP's drive-and-kick game. The reported contract value suggests Miami is taking a measured approach, adding Thompson on a modest deal rather than committing long-term resources.
Thompson's move to Miami would mark the third team of his NBA career. His legacy as one of the greatest shooters in league history is already secure, with a likely future induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The 2026-27 season would give him another opportunity to compete for a fifth championship ring alongside a roster that now features two of the league's most dominant frontcourt players.
