The Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson have reached an agreement on a contract buyout, concluding a two-year period marked by upheaval following the trade of Luka Doncic. Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat after clearing waivers, as confirmed by a source familiar with the plans of the five-time All-Star. The details are still private, but if unclaimed by another team, Thompson could officially join the Heat as early as Sunday.
The decision to buy out Thompson comes after the Mavericks failed to make the playoffs during his tenure, which followed Doncic guiding the team to the NBA Finals in 2024. Thompson was acquired by Dallas in a sign-and-trade deal with the Golden State Warriors, aiming to bolster the team’s shooting alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
However, the trio’s potential was shattered after Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, and Irving suffered a season-ending injury. This series of events significantly impacted the Mavericks’ trajectory, despite later winning the draft lottery and selecting standout rookie Cooper Flagg.
Flagg’s arrival led to Thompson transitioning to a bench role, a departure from his usual starting position. With Thompson’s buyout, the Mavericks continue their roster overhaul, retaining only five players from two seasons ago, alongside new leadership in the front office and coaching staff.
Thompson, known for his success with the Warriors, winning four NBA championships, spent 13 seasons with Golden State before his brief stint with the Mavericks. In Dallas, he maintained solid averages of 12.9 points and a 39% three-point shooting percentage over two seasons, showcasing his career marks of 19.6 points per game and a 41% three-point shooting accuracy.
With a career total of 2,899 three-pointers, Thompson ranks fourth on the all-time list, trailing behind Curry, Harden, and Allen. Despite missing the playoffs twice during his time with the Mavericks, Thompson’s impact and competitive spirit were acknowledged by the Mavericks’ President of Basketball Operations, Masai Ujiri.
In other NBA news, DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets. The veteran player, seeking his first championship, will join his fifth team in his 18th season, signing for the veteran minimum of $3.9 million US. DeRozan’s addition provides the Nuggets with a seasoned backcourt presence following a recent trade involving young talent Peyton Watson.