Klay Thompson to join Miami Heat after Mavericks buyout
Deal details and what happens next
Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks reached a buyout that closes out his two-season spell in Dallas. The 36-year-old must clear waivers before he can officially sign with his next team, but reports say Miami is his likely destination.
Thompson made it clear he wanted to land with a contender, and Miami stayed near the top of his list all offseason. The Heat waited on Dallas to make Thompson available, exploring trade routes earlier before shifting focus to a buyout solution.
Fit with the Heat and quick career recap
Miami would be adding one of the game’s all-time great shooters to a roster built around Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, giving the team another reliable perimeter scorer and veteran presence. Thompson’s shooting gravity and playoff experience could be a valuable complement to the Heat’s core.
Thompson spent the first 11 seasons of his career with Golden State, winning four championships alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green before signing with Dallas in 2024. He was in the final year of a three-year, $50 million deal and was scheduled to earn roughly $17.5 million for the 2026–27 season before the buyout.
Last season he averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 21.7 minutes per game while shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc. For Miami, those numbers translate to a veteran wing who can spaced the floor and provide high-level shooting in key moments.
The situation will be official once Thompson clears waivers and puts pen to paper with the Heat. Until then, teams and fans will be watching the waiver window closely, but the expectation is that he’ll join Miami’s push next season.
