Overview
- Reports identify Klay Thompson as a buyout candidate with the Dallas Mavericks while he remains under contract through 2026–27 at a $17.5 million cap hit.
- An unnamed veteran scout told reporters that Thompson’s defense and ability to create shots have declined since his major injuries but that he still can provide occasional scoring and three-point shooting.
- If Dallas and Thompson agree to a buyout he would hit free agency and the scout projected his market value near $5 million rather than his current salary.
- The Miami Heat have expressed strong interest in Thompson but will only pursue him if a buyout clears his current contract and if Miami can fit him using roughly $7 million left of the midlevel exception and open roster spots.
- Thompson’s five All-Star seasons, two major lower-body injuries and last season’s 11.7-point, 38.3% three-point output make him a low-cost, short-term spacing option rather than a long-term two-way solution.