Klay Thompson is preparing for another major change in his Basketball career. The veteran guard is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after reaching a contract buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks.
The move cannot become official immediately because Thompson must first clear waivers. Once that process is complete, the five-time NBA All-Star reportedly intends to join Miami for the 2026–27 Basketball season.
Klay Thompson and Mavericks Agree to Separate
Klay Thompson joined Dallas in 2024 after spending 11 seasons with the Golden State Warriors. The Mavericks expected him to contribute outside shooting, experience and additional scoring to a team with championship ambitions.
His time in Dallas lasted only two seasons. The Mavericks bought out the final year of his contract, allowing the 36-year-old guard to choose his next Basketball destination.
Thompson had a $17.5 million expiring salary before the agreement. Reports indicated that he wanted to play for a team with a stronger opportunity to compete for a championship.
Dallas is also moving toward a younger Basketball roster led by Cooper Flagg. The separation gives younger players more opportunities while allowing Thompson to pursue another postseason run.
What Happens Before Thompson Joins Miami?
Although Klay Thompson is expected to join the Heat, several steps must be completed before Miami can officially announce his arrival.
The process includes:
- Dallas formally placing Thompson on waivers
- Thompson completing the required waiver period
- Thompson becoming an unrestricted free agent
- Miami finalizing and announcing his contract
Thompson is reportedly expected to receive a two-year, $13 million deal. The contract may include a player option for the second season, giving him more control over his Basketball future after the 2026–27 campaign.
Miami Gains Another Outside Shooter
Klay Thompson remains one of the NBA’s leading outside shooters, ranking fourth all-time with 2,899 career three-pointers. During the 2025–26 Basketball season, he averaged 11.7 points and shot 38.3 percent from deep in 69 games for Dallas.
His quick release and off-ball movement could improve Miami’s spacing after the Heat shot 36.1 percent from three-point range last season. Thompson would give coach Erik Spoelstra another reliable perimeter option.
How Klay Thompson Could Help the Heat
Miami would not need Klay Thompson to carry its Basketball offense. Instead, the Heat could give him a focused role built around shooting, movement and veteran leadership.
Thompson could help Miami by:
- Creating space with his three-point shooting
- Moving without the ball to challenge defenses
- Strengthening the starting unit or second rotation
- Providing leadership during difficult games
- Bringing championship experience to the playoffs
Thompson won four NBA championships with Golden State and appeared in several high-pressure Basketball series. That experience could become valuable for Miami during close games and postseason situations.
The Heat could also manage his regular-season minutes carefully. A controlled workload may help him remain healthy and effective when the most important games arrive.
A Potential Fit With Miami’s Core
The expected signing would place Klay Thompson alongside a Miami core featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Both frontcourt stars can draw defenders toward the basket, giving outside shooters opportunities from beyond the arc.
When opponents collapse around Antetokounmpo or Adebayo, Thompson could receive cleaner shooting chances. Defenders cannot leave him open for long because he needs little time to release the ball.
Miami also has Andrew Wiggins, Thompson’s former Golden State teammate. Their previous Basketball experience together could help Thompson become comfortable with Miami’s system.
Spoelstra must still decide whether Thompson fits better as a starter or reserve. That choice may depend on matchups, defensive balance and the development of Miami’s other guards.
Thompson Pursues Another Championship
Joining Miami would give Klay Thompson a fresh start after an uneven period in Dallas. He may no longer be the same two-way star who helped Golden State dominate Basketball, but his shooting and experience remain useful.
The move also reflects Miami’s immediate championship goals. The Heat are assembling a roster capable of competing in the Eastern Conference, and Thompson would bring another player familiar with postseason pressure.
Thompson must first clear waivers before the agreement can be finalized. If the expected signing becomes official, Miami will gain a proven shooter while Thompson receives another opportunity to chase the fifth NBA championship of his career.
