The Miami Heat received a major boost Friday as Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a contract buyout.
Thompson, 36, intends to sign a contract with the Miami Heat, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
“Dallas Mavericks announce they have reached a buyout agreement with sharpshooter Klay Thompson, making him an unrestricted free agent,” Haynes wrote in an X post.
Wrote Haynes in another: “Klay Thompson intends to sign with the Miami Heat upon clearing waivers, sources tell me. Giannis Antetokounmpo gets another marksmen.”
Thompson spent the last two seasons in Dallas after signing with the franchise as a free agent in 2024. Entering this offseason, Thompson’s exit was heavily speculated, leading to rumors involving the Heat and even the Los Angeles Lakers.
Klay Thompson Expected to Sign With Miami Heat
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 12: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during a game against the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center on November 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
For weeks, numerous reports have linked Thompson to the Heat. Miami has made Thompson, a five-time All-Star, its top offseason priority after LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
Thompson has not yet signed with the Heat, but here is what Miami’s roster could look like next season with the four-time NBA champion in the fold.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Bam Adebayo
- Andrew Wiggins
- Nikola Jović
- Bobby Portis Jr.
- Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Klay Thompson
- Davion Mitchell
- Pelle Larsson
- Simone Fontecchio
- Dru Smith
- Myron Gardner
Here’s what the Heat’s starting lineup could look like next season.
- PG: Davion Mitchell
- SG: Klay Thompson
- SF: Andrew Wiggins
- PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- C: Bam Adebayo
Even if the Heat lands Thompson, the team will have two more roster spots to fill. Free agent star DeMar DeRozan may still be an option for the Heat even if it signs Thompson.
Klay Moves on From Dallas After Two Seasons
After Thompson’s buyout was announced, Dallas Mavericks general manager Masai Ujiri released a statement.
“Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization,” Ujiri said in a statement, according to The Athletic. “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.”
Thompson, a two-time All-NBA performer, joined the Mavs as a free agent in 2024, hoping to add a fifth championship to his legendary resume. Months after Thompson’s arrival, the Mavs fell into disarray after a stunning trade that sent superstar point guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Thompson is now desired to move to the Heat, marking the first time he’ll play for an Eastern Conference team in his Hall of Fame career, and joins the freshly-acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade in June.
Thompson and the Heat have shared strong mutual interest all offseason. With the five-time All-Star’s time in Dallas over, he looks to make the most of what could be the final chapter of his career.
Miami Heat Roster, Potential Starting Lineup With Klay Thompson for 2026-27