The most surprising twist in the NBA isn’t a trade. It is a buyout that sends a future Hall of Famer from a losing team to a new contender in Miami. Klay Thompson is set to sign with the Heat after clearing waivers. This move comes just days after the Mavericks cut ties with him to help him chase a ring.
The Money Behind the Move
Thompson was due to make $17.5 million for the final season of his deal. That is a huge number for a player who averaged 12.9 points last year. The Mavericks went 26-56 last season and needed a fresh start. Thompson told the team he wanted to play for a contender, which started the buyout process. According to ESPN, this shift was reported by Tim MacMahon on August 21, 2026.
Following their acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat identified Thompson as their primary priority. Miami needs perimeter shooting to build a winner around Giannis and Bam Adebayo. This deal fixes a hole in their roster right now. It also lets Thompson escape a bad situation in Dallas.
A Legend in Transition
Thompson spent 13 years with the Warriors before coming to Dallas in 2024. He won four titles and made five All-Star teams during that run. Injuries like a torn Achilles and knee issues cost him time. But he still ranks fourth in career 3-pointers made with 2,899. He passed Damian Lillard last season to reach that spot. Sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday that the move to Miami is expected.
The Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri spoke about the split. He stated, “Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization.”We have tremendous respect for Klay and all that he has accomplished throughout his career, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward, he added.
Thompson shot 38.7% from 3-point range over his two seasons in Dallas. That is solid, but he wants more than just solid. He wants a championship. The Heat look like the best place to get that next title. If he hits 75 more threes, he will pass Ray Allen for third on the all-time list. That climb is steep, but the journey has just begun.
This deal changes the landscape for both teams. Dallas clears a massive salary cap hit. Miami gets a proven shooter for a deep playoff run. The NBA is full of surprises, but this one feels like a win for everyone involved.
