KLAY Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat on a two-year, nearly $13 million contract after reaching a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks.
Thompson’s contract with Miami will include a player option for the second season, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 36-year-old Thompson is entering the final year of his Dallas contract, which is worth $17.5 million for the 2026-27 season. He initiated the buyout after informing the Mavericks that he wanted to play for a contender.
Miami made Thompson its top target after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade, adding another proven perimeter scorer to a roster built around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
The Heat had also shown strong interest in free agent Demar DeRozan, but instead agreed to join Denver Nuggets on a one-year contract.
Thompson spent his first 13 NBA seasons with the Golden State Warriors, winning four championships and earning five All-Star selections. He joined Dallas in a sign-and-trade deal in 2024.
During his two seasons with the Mavericks, Thompson averaged 12.9 points and shot 38.7 percent from three-point range.
He enters Miami with 2,899 career three-pointers, fourth-most in NBA history. He needs 75 more to surpass Hall of Famer Ray Allen for third place.
Thompson’s move to Miami also marks the latest chapter of a career that was interrupted by major Achilles and knee injuries during his time with Golden State. (Adrian Co)
