The Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson have reached an agreement on a contract buyout, concluding a two-year period overshadowed by Luka Doncic’s unexpected trade. Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat after clearing waivers, as disclosed by a source familiar with the plans of the five-time All-Star. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday on the condition of anonymity, mentioned that Thompson could finalize the move to the Heat as early as Sunday if no other team claims him.
The decision for the buyout follows the Mavericks’ failure to make the playoffs during Thompson’s tenure, which followed Doncic leading Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024. Thompson came to Dallas through a sign-and-trade with Golden State, providing the team with an elite 3-point shooter to complement Doncic and another scoring threat in Kyrie Irving.
However, the promising trio’s prospects were shattered after the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, who had a history of injuries, just before the 2025 trade deadline. Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee a month later and has been sidelined since then. Davis was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards before the trade deadline last season.
The Doncic trade had a detrimental impact on the franchise, but Dallas managed to win the draft lottery shortly after. With the top overall pick, the Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg from Duke, who went on to win Rookie of the Year, injecting new hope into the team. Flagg’s addition led to Thompson primarily coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie season with the Warriors.
Thompson’s buyout marks another significant change in the restructuring of the Mavericks’ roster. With his departure, only five players from two years ago’s opening day roster remain, alongside new front office personnel led by president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz, and a new head coach, Dusty May, who replaced Jason Kidd.
Thompson, who won four NBA titles with the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, spent his first 13 seasons with Golden State, enduring setbacks due to knee and Achilles injuries. In his two years with the Mavericks, the five-time All-Star averaged 12.9 points and a 39% 3-point shooting percentage. Throughout his career, he has maintained averages of 19.6 points per game and a 41% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc.
In January, Thompson surpassed Damian Lillard to claim fourth place on the all-time 3-point list, with 2,899 3-pointers, trailing behind Curry, James Harden, and Ray Allen. While Thompson missed the playoffs twice during his 11 seasons with the Warriors, he matched that number in his brief stint with Dallas.
Ujiri expressed gratitude for Thompson’s contributions to the Mavericks, acknowledging him as a significant player and competitor of his generation. The team respects Thompson’s achievements throughout his career.
In a separate development, DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets, valued at the veteran minimum of $3.9 million US. This move marks DeRozan’s fifth team in his 18th season, aiming to secure his first NBA championship. The addition of DeRozan bolsters the Nuggets’ backcourt experience following the trade of Peyton Watson to Cleveland. Watson, a 23-year-old versatile wing, had a breakout season, starting 40 games and achieving career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists. DeRozan, originally drafted ninth by Toronto in 2009, spent the bulk of his career with the Raptors before stints with San Antonio, Chicago, and Sacramento. He averaged 18.4 points last season, ending a streak of 12 years with at least 20 points per game.
