The Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson have reached an agreement on a contract buyout, concluding a two-year period marred by the unexpected trade of Luka Doncic.
Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat after going through waivers, as confirmed by a source familiar with the plans of the five-time All-Star. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press, revealed that Thompson’s move to the Heat could happen as early as Sunday if no other team claims him.
The decision for the buyout follows the Mavericks’ failure to make the playoffs during Thompson’s tenure, which followed Doncic leading Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024.
Upon joining Dallas in a sign-and-trade from Golden State, Thompson was expected to bring his elite 3-point shooting skills to bolster Doncic and another scoring threat in Kyrie Irving. However, the promising trio’s prospects took a hit when Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in 2025, and Irving suffered a season-ending ACL injury shortly after. Davis was later traded to the Washington Wizards.
The trade involving Doncic had significant repercussions for the Mavericks, but the team managed to secure the top pick in the draft lottery shortly after. With that pick, they selected Duke standout rookie Cooper Flagg, who went on to win Rookie of the Year, injecting new optimism into the franchise.
Flagg’s addition led to Thompson coming off the bench in most games for the first time since his rookie season with the Warriors.
Thompson’s buyout is part of a broader overhaul of the Mavericks’ roster, leaving only five players from two years ago’s opening day lineup. The team also underwent changes in the front office with Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations, Mike Schmitz as general manager, and Dusty May replacing Jason Kidd as head coach.
Thompson, a four-time NBA champion with the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, spent 13 seasons with Golden State before his brief stint with the Mavericks. Despite missing two seasons due to knee and Achilles injuries, Thompson maintained impressive career averages of 19.6 points per game and 41% shooting from beyond the arc.
In January, Thompson surpassed Damian Lillard to claim the fourth spot on the all-time career 3-point list with 2,899 3-pointers, trailing only Curry, James Harden, and Ray Allen.
Having missed the playoffs just twice in his 11 seasons with the Warriors, Thompson matched that record in his two seasons with Dallas.
Ujiri expressed gratitude for Thompson’s contributions, highlighting his greatness and competitiveness throughout his career.
In related news, DeMar DeRozan is set to sign a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, marking his fifth team in his 18th season as he pursues his first championship. DeRozan’s addition bolsters the Nuggets’ backcourt following the departure of young talent Peyton Watson in a recent trade, providing veteran experience to the team.
