Klay Thompson and Mavericks Agree to Buyout, Likely to Join Miami Heat

The Dallas Mavericks announced on Friday that they have reached a buyout agreement with guard Klay Thompson, ending his two-season stint with the team. Thompson, 36, appeared in 21 games with Luka Dončić and 45 games with Kyrie Irving but did not play in a playoff game during his time in Dallas.

Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said, "Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization. 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."

A league source said Thompson is expected to clear waivers on Sunday and then sign with the Miami Heat, though contract terms have not been finalized. The same source noted that veteran DeMar DeRozan was also in talks with the Heat before ultimately agreeing to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets.

Thompson, who was set to earn $17.46 million in the 2026-27 season under his former contract, said in an August Twitch interview that his priority is to play for a team with a realistic chance to compete for a championship. Over his two seasons in Dallas, the Mavericks posted a combined 65-99 record. Thompson averaged 11.7 points per game, shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range, and made 418 three-pointers, the most by any Maverick in that span.

The buyout follows a period of roster turnover for Dallas, including the trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers and the departure of Kyrie Irving due to injury. The Mavericks hired Ujiri as team president in May after dismissing former general manager Nico Harrison.