Klay Thompson was really ready to move on from the Dallas Mavericks.
The five-time NBA All-Star Thompson formally got bought out by the Mavericks earlier this week. Thompson now intends to sign with the Miami Heat upon clearing waivers.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on Saturday that Thompson gave up roughly $9.8 million to facilitate his buyout from Dallas. That marks well over half of the $17.5 million that Thompson was slated to make from the Mavericks in 2026-27.
While every buyout agreement varies, NBA players usually only give up 20 to 30 percent of their remaining salaries in any such deal. Some notable former All-Stars have given up even less than that in years past.
But with the Mavericks apparently content to hold onto Thompson through the start of the new season to potentially gauge his value on the trade market, the four-time NBA champion was apparently willing to give up more money in order to secure his immediate release. Thompson will also be able to recoup some of that $9.8 million on whatever new contract he signs with the Heat.
For next season, Thompson’s minimum contract figure would be $3.9 million. But there had been some indications that Miami was willing to give Thompson their roughly $6 million taxpayer’s midlevel exception, having reportedly earmarked those funds for the veteran sharpshooter instead of for this notable former star.
