Klay Thompson Signs with Miami Heat After Mavericks Buyout

PUBLISHED Sep 1, 2026, 10:42 AM ET

Veteran guard Klay Thompson has signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Miami Heat following a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks. The agreement includes a player option for the second year. Thompson finalized the buyout on August 22, 2026, receiving $7.7 million over a staggered payment schedule while forfeiting approximately $9.8 million from his original $17.5 million salary for the 2026-27 season. After clearing waivers, he chose Miami to join a newly constructed roster featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Last season with Dallas, Thompson appeared in 69 games, averaging 11.7 points while shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range and setting a franchise reserve record with 202 made three-pointers. A four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson enters the upcoming season with 2,899 career three-pointers, placing him fourth all-time and trailing Ray Allen by 74 makes for second place.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Explain Framing

Left: Veteran embraces fresh opportunity pursuing championship glory in South Florida. Center: Team acquires veteran shooter to complement star player roster additions. Right: Financial buyout reflects market adjustments for aging NBA superstar players.