Klay Thompson Takes Pay Cut in Buyout to Join Dallas, Signs New Deal with Miami
Klay Thompson agreed to a buyout that reduces his 2026-27 salary by about $9.8 million and will earn roughly $13 million over two years with the Miami Heat, while the Mavericks gain additional salary-cap flexibility.
Veteran guard Klay Thompson has agreed to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks that trims roughly $9.8 million from his $17.5 million salary for the 2026-27 season, according to league sources cited by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Thompson is expected to earn about $13 million over the next two years after signing a new contract with the Miami Heat, indicating he is willing to accept a lower salary to join a team perceived as closer to contention following the acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Mavericks were previously about $2 million under the NBA luxury-tax threshold with 16 players on contract. After the buyout, the roster will consist of 15 players on standard contracts, placing the club approximately $11.8 million below the tax line and providing greater flexibility for future trades, either this offseason or before the February deadline.
"The buyout gives Dallas more cap space to maneuver in the market," a Mavericks spokesperson said.
The move marks a notable shift in Thompson's career as he transitions from a veteran role in Dallas to a new opportunity with Miami.