The Dallas Mavericks have reached a contract buyout agreement with Klay Thompson, concluding a two-year period that was marred by the unexpected trade of Luka Doncic.
Thompson plans to join the Miami Heat once he clears waivers, as reported by an individual familiar with the five-time All-Star’s intentions. This source spoke to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity on Friday, since Thompson has not publicly confirmed these plans yet. If he goes unclaimed by another team, Thompson could potentially sign with the Heat as soon as Sunday.
The announcement of the buyout follows the Mavericks’ failure to qualify for the playoffs during both of Thompson’s seasons, a stark contrast to the team’s performance when Doncic led Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2024.
Thompson joined the Mavericks via a sign-and-trade deal with Golden State, providing the team with one of the greatest 3-point shooters in league history to play alongside Doncic and fellow high-scoring guard Kyrie Irving.
However, the promising trio’s potential collapsed after the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for the injury-prone Anthony Davis just before the 2025 trade deadline. A month later, Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and has not returned to play. Davis was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards shortly before the February trade deadline last season.
The trade of Doncic significantly hindered the franchise’s trajectory, although Dallas defied the odds to win the draft lottery a few months later. With the first overall pick, the Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg, a standout freshman from Duke, who went on to win Rookie of the Year and reignited hope for the franchise.
Flagg’s arrival led to Thompson coming off the bench for the majority of games for the first time since his rookie season with Golden State.
Thompson’s buyout marks a significant restructuring of the Dallas roster. His exit leaves only five players from the opening day roster two years prior, alongside a revamped front office led by president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri, general manager Mike Schmitz, and new head coach Dusty May, who succeeded Jason Kidd.
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Thompson secured four NBA championships during his time with the Warriors, playing alongside stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The 36-year-old dedicated his first 13 seasons to Golden State, although he was sidelined for two entire seasons due to knee and Achilles injuries.
In his two years with the Mavericks, the five-time All-Star averaged 12.9 points and achieved a 39% success rate from 3-point range. Over his career, he holds averages of 19.6 points per game and a 41% shooting rate from beyond the arc.
In January, Thompson surpassed Damian Lillard to take fourth place on the all-time 3-point shooting list, with a total of 2,899 3-pointers made, trailing only Curry, James Harden, and Ray Allen.
Thompson experienced playoff absences only twice during his 11 seasons with the Warriors, a number he matched in his two seasons with Dallas.
“Klay is one of the exceptional players and competitors of his era, and we appreciate everything he contributed to the Mavericks organization,” Ujiri stated. “We hold immense respect for Klay and his achievements throughout his career.”
DeRozan agrees with Nuggets on 1-year deal: AP source
DeMar DeRozan has come to terms on a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets, valued at the veteran minimum of $3.9 million US, according to a source familiar with the agreement who spoke on Friday.
This will mark DeRozan’s fifth team in his 18th season as he seeks his first championship as a six-time All-Star. The source requested anonymity as the agreement has yet to be publicly announced.
Adding DeRozan provides the Nuggets with a seasoned backcourt presence following the trade of young, versatile wing Peyton Watson to Cleveland in a four-team deal. Watson, 23, started a career-high 40 games last season and recorded personal bests in points (14.6), rebounds (4.9), and assists (2.1).
DeRozan, who was selected ninth overall by Toronto in 2009, spent the first nine years of his career with the Raptors before being traded to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard, who helped Toronto secure the title in 2018-19 during his only season with the team.
The 37-year-old DeRozan played three seasons with the Spurs and another three with Chicago before spending the last two seasons with Sacramento, having been involved in sign-and-trade arrangements in his transitions to the Bulls and Kings.
Last season, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, concluding a 12-year streak of averaging over 20 points per game. He has only experienced two winning seasons since his last five playoff appearances with the Raptors, making the postseason once with Chicago.