2026 Free Agency Reports: Klay Thompson Expected to Sign with Heat After Mavs Buyout
Five-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion Klay Thompson is reportedly expected to sign with Miami after a buyout with Dallas.
From NBA.com News Services | Updated on August 21, 2026 10:20 PM
Five-time NBA All-Star and four-time champion Klay Thompson is reportedly expected to sign with the Miami Heat following a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, according to multiple reports. Thompson will become a free agent after he clears waivers.
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
Klay Thompson intends to sign with the Miami Heat upon clearing waivers, sources tell me. Giannis Antetokounmpo gets another marksmen. https://t.co/WhjqewgAED
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 21, 2026
This past season, Thompson averaged 11.7 points and 2.1 rebounds for the Mavericks. The 36-year-old sharpshooter, who ranks 4th all-time for 3-pointers made, will provide much-needed floor spacing for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and the new-look Heat.
The buyout of Thompson is the latest in a major retooling of the Dallas roster. His departure leaves just five players from opening day two years ago, along with a new front office in president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz, and a new coach in Dusty May, who replaced Jason Kidd.
Thompson won four NBA titles alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green with the Warriors. He spent his first 13 seasons with Golden State, although he missed two entire seasons with knee and Achilles injuries.
Thompson averaged 12.9 points and shot 39% from 3-point range in his two years with the Mavericks. His career marks are 19.6 points per game and 41% shooting from beyond the arc.
Thompson passed Damian Lillard for fourth place on the career 3-point list in January. He has 2,899 3-pointers, trailing Curry, James Harden and Ray Allen.
Thompson missed the playoffs just twice in the 11 seasons he played for the Warriors. He matched that number in his only two seasons with Dallas.
“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 said. “We have tremendous respect for Klay and all that he has accomplished throughout his career.”
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Related
The Athletic: Can Heat generate enough 3-point shooting? The new-look Heat have Giannis Antetokounmpo alongside Bam Adebayo. What more do they need to contend in the East?
Miami enters new must-watch era with Giannis: The 2-time Kia NBA MVP officially joins Miami, where he hopes to follow in the footsteps of previous superstar additions.
LeBron, Giannis and other notable return games: In an offseason that was full of player movement, check out when stars will return to face their former teams.
Giannis, LaMelo debuts headline Opening Week on ESPN: Miami faces Minnesota on Wed., Oct 21 to begin two ESPN doubleheaders during Opening Week of the 2026-27 season.