The Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson have reached an agreement on a contract buyout, putting an end to their two-year partnership, which was disrupted by the unexpected trade of Luka Doncic.
Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat after clearing waivers, as per a reliable source familiar with the plans of the five-time All-Star. This information was shared with The Associated Press on Friday under the condition of anonymity. If not claimed by another team, Thompson is expected to finalize his deal with the Heat as early as Sunday.
The decision for the buyout follows the Mavericks’ failure to make the playoffs in both seasons since Thompson’s arrival, following Doncic’s impressive lead to the NBA Finals in 2024.
Initially acquired through a sign-and-trade deal with Golden State, Thompson was brought to Dallas to team up with Doncic and Kyrie Irving, adding one of the league’s greatest 3-point shooters to the roster. However, the promising trio’s prospects were shattered after Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, while Irving suffered a serious knee injury and Davis was later traded to the Washington Wizards.
The trade involving Doncic had significant repercussions for the Mavericks, but they were able to bounce back by winning the draft lottery and selecting standout rookie Cooper Flagg from Duke, who went on to win the Rookie of the Year award, injecting new hope into the franchise.
With Flagg’s addition, Thompson found himself coming off the bench more frequently, a departure from his usual starting role since his rookie year with Golden State.
Thompson’s buyout is part of a broader overhaul of the Mavericks’ roster, leaving only five players from the team’s lineup two years ago. The team also underwent changes in its front office and coaching staff.
Thompson, known for his four NBA titles with the Warriors, spent 13 seasons with Golden State before joining the Mavericks. In his two years with Dallas, he averaged 12.9 points and a 39% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, showcasing his career averages of 19.6 points per game and a 41% 3-point shooting rate.
A prolific 3-point shooter, Thompson surpassed Damian Lillard in January to claim the fourth spot on the all-time career 3-point list, boasting 2,899 successful 3-pointers behind Curry, Harden, and Allen.
Having only missed the playoffs twice during his tenure with the Warriors, Thompson experienced playoff absences in both seasons with the Mavericks, reflecting a shift from his usual postseason success.
Team executives expressed gratitude for Thompson’s contributions, acknowledging his stature as a top player and competitor within the league.
In other NBA news, DeMar DeRozan is set to join the Denver Nuggets on a one-year contract worth the veteran minimum of $3.9 million US, marking his fifth team in his 18-year career as he aims for his first championship. The addition of DeRozan bolsters the Nuggets’ backcourt following a recent trade involving young talent Peyton Watson.
DeRozan, a six-time All-Star, brings a wealth of experience to the Nuggets after stints with various teams, including Toronto, San Antonio, Chicago, and Sacramento. With a scoring average of 18.4 points last season, DeRozan continues to be a valuable asset on the court.