Klay Thompson to Join Miami Heat After Dallas Buys Out Final Contract Year
The Dallas Mavericks will buy out the last year of Klay Thompson's contract, allowing the veteran guard to sign with the Miami Heat after clearing waivers.
Dallas announced on Friday that it will buy out the final year of guard Klay Thompson's contract, which was set to pay him $17.5 million for the 2026-27 season. After the buyout, Thompson is expected to clear waivers and sign with the Miami Heat, according to ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
Thompson appeared in 69 games for the Mavericks this season, averaging 11.7 points while posting career lows in field-goal (39.3%) and three-point (38.3%) percentages. Coach Jason Kidd moved him to the bench after seven games, a shift that later became permanent despite an earlier promise of a starting role.
The move follows a season in which Thompson's production declined from his earlier years, and the Mavericks opted to part ways rather than retain a player whose performance had fallen below expectations. The Heat, who added Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, view Thompson as a low-risk addition to their roster.
"We believe Thompson can contribute in a role that fits our system," a Heat spokesperson said.
Thompson's former team, the Golden State Warriors, had also limited his usage during the 2023-24 season and did not pursue a long-term contract, reflecting their assessment of his current value.