The Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson have reached an agreement on a contract buyout, concluding a two-year period marred by Luka Doncic’s unexpected trade. Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat after clearing waivers, as per a source familiar with the plans of the five-time All-Star. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press on Friday, disclosed that Thompson could potentially finalize the move to the Heat by Sunday if not claimed by another team.
The decision for the buyout follows the Mavericks’ failure to make the playoffs during Thompson’s tenure, following Doncic’s lead in propelling Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024. Thompson came to Dallas in a sign-and-trade arrangement with Golden State, adding one of the league’s premier 3-point shooters to the Mavericks’ roster alongside Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
However, the promising trio’s prospects disintegrated when the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in 2025 before Irving suffered a season-ending ACL injury, subsequently departing. Davis was later traded to the Washington Wizards ahead of last season’s trade deadline.
The franchise took a hit post the Doncic trade, although they managed to win the draft lottery shortly after. With the top pick, the Mavericks selected Duke standout Cooper Flagg, who went on to win Rookie of the Year, injecting new optimism into the team. Flagg’s arrival led to Thompson assuming a bench role for the first time since his rookie season with Golden State.
Thompson’s buyout marks a significant overhaul of the Mavericks’ roster, leaving only five players from two years ago, under new leadership in president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri, general manager Mike Schmitz, and coach Dusty May, who succeeded Jason Kidd.
Thompson, who secured four NBA championships with the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, spent his initial 13 seasons with Golden State, dealing with knee and Achilles injuries that sidelined him for two seasons. Averaging 12.9 points and shooting 39% from beyond the arc during his Mavericks stint, Thompson holds career averages of 19.6 points per game and a 41% 3-point shooting rate.
In January, Thompson surpassed Damian Lillard to claim fourth place on the all-time 3-pointers list with 2,899, trailing Curry, James Harden, and Ray Allen. Unlike his successful playoff history with the Warriors, Thompson missed the postseason in both seasons with Dallas.
Ujiri praised Thompson, acknowledging his contributions to the Mavericks organization, stating, “Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation.” Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan is set to join the Denver Nuggets on a one-year contract worth $3.9 million, seeking his first championship in his 18th season, adding a seasoned presence to the Nuggets’ backcourt.
DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, brings experience to Denver after a journey through multiple teams, including Toronto, San Antonio, Chicago, and Sacramento. His addition bolsters the Nuggets’ lineup following the departure of Peyton Watson in a four-team trade. Watson, a young and versatile wing, started 40 games last season, achieving career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.
DeRozan’s move to the Nuggets marks a continuation of his quest for success in the league, following a 12-year stretch of averaging at least 20 points per game before dropping to 18.4 points last season. His playoff appearances have been limited since his fruitful years with the Raptors, with only one postseason appearance during his tenure with Chicago.
