Klay Thompson bought out by Mavericks, expected to sign with Miami Heat

After two seasons in Dallas, Klay Thompson is headed to Miami following a contract buyout by the Mavericks.

Klay Thompson's time in Dallas is over: the Mavericks announced Friday they are buying out the final year of the 36-year-old guard's contract, clearing the way for him to join the Miami Heat. Thompson spent just two seasons with Dallas after 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, where he built his reputation as one of the game's premier shooters and won four NBA championships. The buyout frees Thompson to sign with Miami as a free agent. All three sources agree on the destination, with the Heat expected to sign him once the process is complete. Miami had been tracking Thompson as a target throughout the offseason, with the Heat looking to add floor spacing around star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Why it matters

Thompson is a four-time NBA champion and one of the most accomplished three-point shooters in league history, and his addition could meaningfully strengthen Miami's offensive spacing alongside two All-Star big men.

What's next

Thompson is expected to formally sign with the Miami Heat after clearing the buyout process.

Key facts

• The Dallas Mavericks announced the buyout of Thompson's contract on Friday
• Thompson, 36, spent two seasons with Dallas and 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors
• Thompson won four NBA championships during his time with Golden State
• Miami is reported to have targeted Thompson throughout the offseason
• The Heat were looking to add shooting around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo
• All three sources report Miami as Thompson's expected destination

Bias & framing notes

All three sources agree on the core facts — buyout confirmed, Miami is the destination. The New York Times attributed the Heat signing to a single unnamed source, while Bleacher Report cited the Mavericks' own announcement for the buyout itself, making that element the most firmly established. NBC Sports added the most context around Miami's motivations but did not independently source the buyout agreement.

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