Klay Thompson Contract Buyout, Signs with Miami Hea

The Dallas Mavericks have finalized a contract buyout with veteran guard Klay Thompson, ending a two-year tenure that fell short of expectations . Thompson, 36, is expected to sign with the Miami Heat once he clears waivers . The four-time NBA champion was set to make $17.5 million this season but agreed to surrender roughly $9.8 million in the buyout to facilitate his departure . He is now poised to join a Heat roster that added superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade last June . Thompson originally joined Dallas in a sign-and-trade deal from Golden State in 2024, but the team's direction shifted after Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers in February 2025 . In Dallas, he averaged 12.9 points across 141 games . The Mavericks, who have embraced a rebuild around top draft pick Cooper Flagg, granted Thompson's request to pursue a championship opportunity . Miami views Thompson as a critical floor-spacing addition to complement Antetokounmpo and center Bam Adebayo. He is expected to sign a two-year contract worth approximately $13 million, utilizing the Heat's remaining mid-level exception .