Overview
- The Dallas Mavericks announced a buyout of Klay Thompson’s contract on Friday, removing the final $17.5 million year and placing him on waivers.
- If Thompson clears waivers he is expected to sign with the Miami Heat, with multiple outlets reporting a proposed two-year deal worth roughly $13 million that includes a player option.
- Miami pursued Thompson to add elite catch-and-shoot spacing for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, addressing a clear perimeter-shooting need on the new-look roster.
- Dallas agreed to the buyout after concluding Thompson did not fit the franchise’s younger rebuild under new leadership, and Mavericks president Masai Ujiri issued a public statement praising Thompson.
- The transaction is not final until the waiver period ends and any contract is signed, and Thompson’s move will tighten Miami’s remaining salary flexibility while freeing him to chase another title.