The next stage of likely future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Klay Thompson’s professional journey appears destined to unfold in South Florida, where he is anticipated to join the Miami Heat for the 2026-27 NBA season.
The five-time NBA All-Star is expected to finalize a deal with the Heat after clearing waivers, following a contract buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks, according to information from ESPN. Sources informed ESPN on Friday that Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, could secure a two-year contract valued at close to $13 million.
Thompson, 36, was slated to earn $17.5 million in the final year of his existing contract with the Dallas organization before both parties mutually decided to part ways. The Mavericks officially confirmed the roster change on Friday.
After a distinguished 13-season tenure with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson made his way to the Mavericks following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season through a sign-and-trade arrangement. He spent the subsequent two seasons in Dallas, where he maintained an average of 12.9 points across 141 regular-season contests.
Throughout his career, Thompson has consistently been recognized as one of the NBA’s elite three-point shooters.
His anticipated arrival in South Florida is poised to provide Miami with another proven perimeter threat as the Heat continue to build their roster around core players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Antetokounmpo, the NBA MVP in both 2019 and 2020, was acquired by the Heat in a significant trade completed in June.
Mavericks Praise Thompson's Contributions
Mavericks president of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri, expressed appreciation for Thompson’s influence during his time with the team. In a released statement, Ujiri remarked, “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 further added, “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.”
Recent Organizational Shifts for Dallas
Earlier in his career, Thompson faced consecutive seasons on the sidelines due to recovery from an Achilles injury.
The Mavericks concluded the 2025-26 season with a challenging 26-56 record. Jason Kidd departed the team after five seasons as head coach, a move described by the franchise as a mutual decision. Dallas subsequently hired Dusty May in June, shortly after he led Michigan to victory in the NCAA Division I men’s national championship in April.