Four-Time NBA Champion Klay Thompson Headed to Miami After Dallas Buyout

Clear Facts

• Klay Thompson is joining the Miami Heat on a reported two-year, $13 million deal after clearing waivers from the Dallas Mavericks
• The 36-year-old four-time NBA champion will reunite with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami
• Thompson spent two seasons with Dallas after 13 years with Golden State, averaging 12.9 points in 141 games with the Mavericks

The Miami Heat are adding championship experience and proven shooting ability as Klay Thompson prepares to join the roster for the 2026-27 NBA season. The five-time All-Star and four-time champion is expected to sign a two-year contract worth nearly $13 million after clearing waivers following his buyout from the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN.

Thompson was set to earn $17.5 million in the final year of his Dallas contract before both sides agreed to part ways. The Mavericks confirmed the transaction Friday, closing the book on Thompson’s brief two-season tenure in Texas.

The veteran sharpshooter spent 13 seasons building a Hall of Fame resume with the Golden State Warriors before joining Dallas via sign-and-trade following the 2023-24 season. During his time with the Mavericks, Thompson averaged 12.9 points across 141 regular-season appearances while continuing to demonstrate the elite perimeter shooting that has defined his career.

Thompson’s arrival in South Florida brings another proven scoring option to a Heat team building around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star Bam Adebayo. Antetokounmpo joined Miami through a blockbuster trade in June after spending his entire career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri issued a statement acknowledging Thompson’s contributions to the organization.

“Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization. We have tremendous respect for Klay and all that he has accomplished throughout his career, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

The 36-year-old Thompson has overcome significant adversity during his career, including missing back-to-back seasons while recovering from an Achilles injury. His perseverance and dedication to returning to elite form demonstrated the championship mentality that helped Golden State capture four NBA titles.

The Mavericks struggled mightily during the 2025-26 season, posting a disappointing 26-56 record. Following the campaign, Dallas and head coach Jason Kidd mutually agreed to part ways after five seasons. The franchise moved quickly to hire Dusty May in June, bringing aboard the coach who had just led Michigan to the NCAA Division I men’s national championship in April.

Thompson’s expected addition gives Miami another weapon from beyond the arc as the Heat continue reshaping their roster around Antetokounmpo’s dominant inside presence. The pairing of Thompson’s perimeter shooting with Antetokounmpo’s ability to attack the basket could provide Miami with a potent offensive combination heading into next season.

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