Klay Thompson Expected to Sign With Heat After Mavericks Buyout

Klay Thompson is expected to continue his career in Miami after reaching a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, setting up a move to the Heat once he clears waivers.

Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a contract buyout, ending the five-time All-Star’s two-season run in Dallas. Multiple reports say Thompson is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after clearing waivers, which would give the veteran sharpshooter a fresh start with an Eastern Conference contender.

The NBA’s official site reported that Thompson is expected to join Miami after the buyout is completed and he becomes a free agent. The Mavericks also formally announced the agreement Friday, confirming the split after a two-year stint that never developed the way either side originally envisioned.

Thompson averaged 11.7 points and 2.1 rebounds last season while continuing to provide perimeter shooting, even as his role changed. At 36, the four-time NBA champion remains one of the league’s most accomplished three-point shooters and is expected to give Miami another floor-spacing option alongside its current core.

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The Heat’s interest makes basketball sense because Thompson can still stretch defenses without needing the ball in his hands for long stretches. His ability to move without the ball and punish open looks could fit naturally next to Miami’s playmakers, especially in lineups built around Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

For Dallas, the buyout closes the book on a move that began with major expectations in 2024. Thompson arrived after helping define the Golden State Warriors dynasty, but the Mavericks’ roster and direction changed dramatically over the next two seasons, including the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade and a broader organizational reset.

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The separation also gives Dallas more freedom to move forward with a younger core, while Thompson gets another chance to compete in a meaningful postseason environment. He is expected to be eligible to sign with Miami after he clears waivers, assuming no team places a claim on him during that process.

If the move becomes official, Thompson would bring championship experience and high-volume shooting to a Heat team looking to add another proven veteran. For now, the key procedural step is waivers, but all signs point toward Miami as his next destination.