Shams Charania: 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.
More on Klay Thompson: Recent HoopsHype Rumors
Chris Haynes: Dallas Mavericks announce they have reached a buyout agreement with sharpshooter Klay Thompson, making him an unrestricted free agent. — 8/21/2026 x.com
The Dallas Mavericks announced today that the team has reached a buyout agreement with guard/forward Klay Thompson. Thompson (6-6, 220) appeared in 141 games (80 starts) in his two seasons with Dallas and averaged 12.9 points on 40.3% shooting from the field and 38.7% from three. “Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization,”
said Mavericks President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri. “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.” — 8/21/2026 NBA.com
Yossi Gozlan: Klay Thompson is free to sign with any of the other 29 teams, including those above an apron. The Mavericks were $2.2 million under the luxury tax line prior to this. Thompson’s minimum salary is $3.9 million, so he presumably gave back at least that much in his buyout. — 8/21/2026 x.com
The Heat has 12 players on standard deals; the 13th would go to Klay Thompson if Dallas buys him out and he agrees to terms. The 14th could go to a center, with small forward Demar DeRozan and guard Gabe Vincent among others who have received consideration. But DeRozan wants exception money, and the Heat is holding that for Thompson. — 8/19/2026 Miami Herald
Marc Stein says Heat are desperate for Klay Thompson: To this point the Mavs position has not changed. They would prefer to trade him (Klay Thompson). — All we know is, Miami is desperate for Klay Thompson but they want to sign him as a free agent. They would not be the only team interested — 8/17/2026 YouTube
MAL: Klay Thompson reveals his ALL-TIME starting five C — Shaquille O’Neal PF — Tim Duncan SF — LeBron James SG — Kobe Bryant PG — Stephen Curry Klay explained why he went with Shaq, praising how he completely changed the game, while calling Tim Duncan the definition of consistency. He chose LeBron over Larry Bird and Kevin Durant, Kobe over Michael Jordan because he grew up watching Kobe and eventually played against him, and stayed loyal to Steph at point guard. — 8/14/2026 x.com
"That would be a great series. I mean, they have a team that is perfect for the modern game, as far as positionless players," the current Dallas Mavericks veteran said. "You've got Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Ron Harper, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Dennis Rodman. They've got a stacked team. It would be a great series with MJ. "But man, the firepower we had, I think, was once in a lifetime between two MVPs on the team in Steph [Curry] and KD [Kevin Durant], and myself playing off the ball, and Draymond facilitating, Andre [Iguodala] as Swiss Army knife. "I'm going to give the edge to the Dubs just because I think our shot-making might separate us. But it would definitely go seven games." — 8/14/2026 BasketNews
MAL: Klay Thompson was asked if the 1996 Bulls could beat the 2017 Warriors. “I’mma give the edge to the Dubs, just because I think our shot making might separate us, but it would definitely go seven games.” — 8/14/2026 x.com
In a viral collaborative Twitch stream with Plaqueboymax, the former NBA star dropped his utmost desire to contend and be a part of a competitive team aiming to win the title. "I want to compete for a championship, not necessarily win one, but just like have the chance to go and try and get another one," Thompson said. "I want to play a role on a team that I want to make a deep playoff run, whether it's this season or next season, but that's really my only goal." — 8/14/2026 BasketNews
Kevin Gray Jr.: Mavericks G/F Klay Thompson says that he wants to compete for a championship, not necessarily win one, but have the chance to compete and try and win a title and play a role on a team that can make a deep playoff run #MFFL (@PlaqueBoyMax Twitch) — 8/14/2026 x.com
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Klay Thompson expected to sign with Miami Heat after clearing waivers
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
