Klay Thompson Mavericks Buyout
Klay Thompson’s two-year run with the Dallas Mavericks has come to an end.
The Mavericks agreed to a contract buyout with Thompson on August 21, 2026, ending a partnership that began when the veteran sharpshooter joined Dallas in a sign-and-trade deal in 2024. Thompson had one season remaining on his contract and was scheduled to earn $17.5 million.
The 36-year-old reportedly wanted to move to a contender, while Dallas is reshaping its roster around its younger core. After the buyout, Thompson was placed on waivers, setting up the next stage of his NBA career.
Is Klay Thompson Going to the Heat?
Yes. Klay Thompson is expected to join the Miami Heat after clearing waivers.
Multiple reports have identified Miami as Thompson’s preferred destination following the Mavericks buyout. NBA.com reported that Thompson is expected to sign with the Heat once he becomes a free agent.
The move makes sense for both sides. Thompson wants another opportunity to compete for an NBA championship, while Miami needs more perimeter shooting around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
As of August 22, reports indicate that the signing is expected rather than already formally announced by the Heat. Thompson could become eligible to sign once the waiver process is completed.
Klay Thompson Heat Signing
The reported agreement is a two-year contract worth nearly $13 million, with a player option for the second season.
That figure is significantly below the $17.5 million salary Thompson was scheduled to receive from Dallas. The new deal reflects his current role as an experienced veteran and specialist rather than the primary scoring option he was during his peak years with Golden State.
The Heat are betting that Thompson’s shooting can remain a major weapon in a playoff environment.
Why Miami Wants Thompson
Miami’s interest in Thompson is easy to understand.
The Heat are building around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, two players who can create advantages inside the paint. Adding an elite movement shooter can give the offense another dimension.
Thompson remains one of the most accomplished three-point shooters in NBA history. He entered this transition with 2,899 career three-pointers, fourth on the NBA’s all-time list, while shooting 40.9% from three for his career.
His ability to space the floor could be especially valuable alongside Giannis. Defenses cannot easily leave Thompson open, which can create more driving and passing opportunities for Miami’s stars.
Thompson’s Mavericks Numbers
Thompson spent two seasons with Dallas and appeared in 141 games.
Across those two seasons, he averaged 12.9 points per game and shot 38.7% from three-point range. During the 2025-26 season specifically, he averaged 11.7 points and made 38.3% of his three-point attempts.
Those numbers were below the production Thompson delivered during his prime with the Golden State Warriors. However, his shooting threat remained significant.
Dallas also went through major roster changes during his tenure. Thompson originally arrived with the expectation of playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but Doncic was subsequently traded and Irving suffered a major injury.
The Mavericks eventually entered a different phase of team building, making Thompson’s desire to compete elsewhere understandable.
What Klay Thompson Brings to Miami
Thompson is no longer expected to carry an offense, but that could make his Miami role more manageable.
His biggest strengths include:
- Elite three-point shooting
- Off-ball movement
- Championship experience
- Veteran leadership
- Floor spacing
- Ability to punish defensive rotations
Miami does not need Thompson to be the same player he was during Golden State’s championship years. Instead, the Heat can use him as a veteran scoring option who can stretch defenses and knock down open shots.
That could be particularly important when defenses collapse on Antetokounmpo.
Klay Thompson and Giannis Antetokounmpo
The potential Thompson-Giannis combination is one of the most intriguing parts of the move.
Giannis is at his best when he can attack the basket, while Thompson has built his career around shooting from the perimeter. Those skill sets naturally complement one another.
If opponents send extra defenders toward Giannis, Thompson can provide a dangerous outlet on the perimeter.
If defenders stay attached to Thompson, Giannis could have more room to attack.
That simple inside-out dynamic could make Thompson valuable even on nights when he does not score heavily.
Klay Thompson and Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo also stands to benefit.
Adebayo is an excellent passer and frequently operates from the elbow and around the top of the key. Thompson’s movement without the ball gives Miami another option for handoffs, screens and kick-out passes.
The Heat can therefore use Thompson in several offensive actions rather than simply stationing him in the corner.
His experience in Golden State’s motion-heavy offense should also help him adjust to Miami’s system.
What Happened to Thompson in Dallas?
Thompson’s Dallas tenure did not unfold as many expected.
He joined the Mavericks in 2024 after spending the first 13 seasons of his NBA career with Golden State. The move was viewed as an opportunity for him to chase another championship while giving Dallas another elite shooter.
Instead, the Mavericks underwent dramatic changes.
Doncic was traded, Irving suffered a season-ending injury, and Dallas eventually moved toward a younger roster. The Mavericks missed the playoffs in both of Thompson’s seasons with the franchise.
The buyout ultimately allows both sides to move forward.
Thompson’s Warriors Legacy
Before Dallas, Thompson established himself as one of the greatest shooters and most successful players of his generation with the Golden State Warriors.
He won four NBA championships and made five All-Star teams during his 13 seasons with Golden State. He also formed the famous “Splash Brothers” partnership with Stephen Curry.
Thompson’s career was interrupted by serious knee and Achilles injuries, but he returned to help Golden State win another championship in 2022.
His next chapter in Miami gives him another chance to compete for a fifth championship.
Will Klay Thompson Start for the Heat?
That remains uncertain.
The Heat could use Thompson as a starter, but his role may ultimately depend on matchups, health and the rest of Miami’s roster.
At this stage of his career, Thompson’s value is less about playing 35-plus minutes every night and more about providing efficient shooting, experience and playoff reliability.
A bench role could even allow Miami to maximize his offensive impact while managing his workload.
Klay Thompson Contract With the Heat
Reports indicate that Thompson plans to sign a two-year deal worth nearly $13 million, including a player option for the second season.
The contract has not been described as a traditional superstar agreement. Instead, it represents a relatively modest commitment for an experienced former champion who can fill a specific need.
For Miami, the risk is limited compared with the potential reward.
If Thompson shoots efficiently and stays healthy, the Heat could have added one of the league’s most recognizable shooting threats at a manageable cost.
Klay Thompson Heat Signing: What It Means
The reported move represents a major change in Thompson’s career.
He went from being a foundational star in Golden State to a veteran role player in Dallas. Now, Miami offers him a chance to contribute to a team with championship ambitions.
For the Heat, the signing addresses one of their biggest needs: shooting.
Miami ranked 11th in the NBA in three-point percentage last season at 36.1%, according to Reuters. Thompson made 38.3% of his attempts from beyond the arc during his final season in Dallas.
Those numbers suggest there is still a clear role for him.
Final Thoughts
The Klay Thompson Mavericks buyout has opened the door to a new chapter in Miami.
Thompson is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after clearing waivers, with reports pointing to a two-year contract worth nearly $13 million and a player option for Year 2.
The move gives Thompson another chance to compete for a championship while giving Miami an experienced shooter to place alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
His Dallas chapter is over. The next question is whether Thompson can help the Heat turn their new-look roster into a genuine championship contender.
FAQs
Did the Mavericks buy out Klay Thompson?
Yes. Dallas agreed to buy out the final year of Thompson’s contract on August 21, 2026. His final Dallas season was set to pay $17.5 million.
Is Klay Thompson going to the Miami Heat?
Yes. Thompson is expected to sign with Miami after clearing waivers, according to multiple reports.
How much is Klay Thompson’s Heat contract?
Reports indicate Thompson is expected to sign a two-year contract worth nearly $13 million, with a player option for the second season.
Why did Klay Thompson leave Dallas?
Thompson reportedly wanted to compete for a contender. Dallas also is moving in a different direction with its younger roster.
How many NBA championships has Klay Thompson won?
Thompson has won four NBA championships, all with the Golden State Warriors.
How many three-pointers has Klay Thompson made?
Thompson has made 2,899 career three-pointers, placing him fourth on the NBA’s all-time list.
Is Klay Thompson officially a Miami Heat player?
As of August 22, 2026, reports say Thompson intends to sign with Miami after clearing waivers. The reported agreement is not the same as an already completed official Heat announcement.
Leave a Reply