Klay Thompson is getting his wish, and will be playing for an unquestioned contender next season.
Thompson has negotiated a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks and plans to sign with the Miami Heat once he clears waivers, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
BREAKING: Klay Thompson is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after he clears waivers upon a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/jV40iKTyEz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 21, 2026
Thompson has been linked to the Heat for virtually the entire offseason, or at least since Miami finalized its move for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat were said to be just as interested as he was. The only real question was whether the Mavericks would be willing to let him go.
The Mavericks had hoped to find a trade partner for Thompson, but the $17.5 million he was owed on the final year of his contract made that virtually impossible. Ultimately, the Mavs opted to eat the money and let Thompson go where he wanted.
The Heat have been in the hunt for shooting help all summer. Thompson is not the player he once was, but he can still knock down deep shots, as he shot 39.3 percent from three last year. That was the worst mark of his career, but still better than the Heat were going to find anywhere else.
