The Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson have reached an agreement on a contract buyout, concluding a two-year stint overshadowed by the surprising trade involving Luka Doncic.
Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat after clearing waivers, as per a source familiar with the plans of the five-time All-Star. This information was shared with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Friday. Pending any claims by other teams, Thompson could officially sign with the Heat as soon as Sunday.
The decision for the buyout follows the Mavericks’ failure to make the playoffs during Thompson’s tenure, following Doncic’s lead to the NBA Finals in 2024.
Initially acquired through a sign-and-trade with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson was expected to boost the Mavericks’ lineup with his exceptional 3-point shooting skills alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving. However, the trio’s potential was shattered when Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in 2025, and Irving suffered a season-ending knee injury soon after.
The subsequent trade outcomes significantly impacted the Mavericks, but they managed to secure the top pick in the draft lottery shortly after. With the first overall selection, the team chose standout rookie Cooper Flagg from Duke, who later earned the Rookie of the Year title, rejuvenating hopes for the franchise.
Flagg’s addition led to Thompson transitioning to a bench role for the first time since his rookie season with the Warriors.
Thompson’s buyout marks the latest move in the Mavericks’ roster revamp, with only five players remaining from the lineup two years ago. The team has undergone changes in the front office, with Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations, Mike Schmitz as general manager, and Dusty May as the new head coach, succeeding Jason Kidd.
Thompson, a four-time NBA champion with the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, spent his first 13 seasons in Golden State, enduring setbacks due to knee and Achilles injuries.
Throughout his two-year tenure with the Mavericks, Thompson averaged 12.9 points and a 39% shooting success rate from beyond the arc. His career averages stand at 19.6 points per game and a 41% 3-point shooting accuracy.
In January, Thompson surpassed Damian Lillard to claim the fourth spot on the all-time 3-point list with 2,899 successful shots from beyond the arc, trailing Curry, James Harden, and Ray Allen.
Having missed the playoffs only twice during his time with the Warriors, Thompson encountered playoff droughts in both of his seasons with Dallas.
Ujiri expressed gratitude for Thompson’s contributions to the Mavericks, acknowledging his status as a top player and competitor in the league.
In a separate development, DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets worth $3.9 million US, seeking his first NBA championship in his 18th season. DeRozan’s addition bolsters the Nuggets’ backcourt following a trade involving young player Peyton Watson.
DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, previously played for the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings, maintaining a solid scoring record over his career.
