Klay Thompson will reportedly continue his NBA journey with the Miami Heat after finalizing a contract settlement with the Dallas Mavericks. The seasoned wing is anticipated to enter the free-agent pool shortly after clearing waivers.
Per ESPN, Thompson is projected to sign a two-year deal worth $13 million with Miami, which includes a player option for the second year. His addition would provide the Heat with another reliable outside shooter to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Thompson parts ways with Dallas
The Mavericks confirmed they had agreed to a buyout with Thompson, bringing his two-season stint in Dallas to an end. The 36-year-old joined the squad in 2024 and played in 141 games, posting averages of 12.9 points per contest while connecting on 40.3% of field goals, 38.7% of three-pointers, and 85.1% of free throws.
Dallas is shifting toward a younger core centered around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, leaving Thompson with minimal incentive to stay for the 2026-27 campaign. The early settlement also grants the veteran a chance to join a playoff-caliber team before training camp begins.
Mavericks basketball operations chief Masai Ujiri acknowledged Thompson’s impact on the organization, stating the franchise valued what he delivered during his tenure. Ujiri also voiced admiration for Thompson’s career and extended his best wishes for the future.
Heat bolster their perimeter options
News of Thompson’s expected move to Miami surfaced just moments after the buyout was announced, indicating the Heat were his top choice from the start. His shooting ability is especially critical for a team seeking more outside scoring to support Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
Miami previously traded Tyler Herro to Milwaukee and let Norman Powell depart in free agency as part of their push to acquire Antetokounmpo. Once LeBron James opted to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Heat redirected their focus to adding experienced role players.
This signing would bring a four-time NBA champion to South Beach as the franchise looks to strengthen its roster and chase another title. Miami has also navigated hard-cap constraints while assembling its revamped frontcourt.
Thompson adds depth to Miami’s wing corps
Thompson is slated to join Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dru Smith in the Heat’s wing rotation. His experience would offer head coach Erik Spoelstra another dependable option when constructing lineups around the team’s star big men.
While Thompson’s overall numbers have dipped from his prime years, his three-point production has stayed solid since returning from ACL and Achilles injuries. Across the five seasons following his comeback, he has knocked down 39.3% of his long-range attempts on 8.8 tries per game.
With Miami lacking proven shooters on the current roster, Thompson is likely to assume a significant role in the rotation. His arrival could prove vital to the Heat’s push back toward the upper tier of the Eastern Conference.