Klay Thompson Eyes Buyout Amid Heat's LeBron Wait
Klay Thompson, the veteran shooter, may be on the move, as the Dallas Mavericks consider a buyout, with Thompson due $17.5 million in the final year of his contract. On July 2, the Miami Heat were still waiting on LeBron James' free-agency decision.
The Mavericks' youth movement may not be the best fit for Thompson, who signed a three-year deal in the 2024 offseason to join Luka Doncic, now gone.
Thompson has shown he can thrive as a beneficiary of roster talent, but at 36, he may not be what he used to be playing alongside Steph Curry.
The Heat, hard-capped at the first apron of the luxury tax, could be interested in Thompson, as they look to fill roster spots on the cheap.
The deadline for teams to utilize the "stretch" provision on waived players is August 29, but teams may act sooner, with potential bargains to be had with buyout candidates, possibly all the way down to the league minimum.
The Heat have been linked to DeMar DeRozan, another player who could be on the move, with only $10 million of his $25.7 million contract guaranteed.
Zach LaVine, who opted into the $49 million final season of his contract, could also be a target, as the Heat look to add shot creation to their roster.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who opted into his $21.6 million contract, may be on the move, as the Memphis Grizzlies tear it down to the studs.
D'Angelo Russell, still in the league after being acquired by the Washington Wizards, could be another option, as the Heat look to fill out their roster.
The Heat's roster reconstruction may be on hold, as they wait on James' decision, but they could find value in the buyout market, with Thompson, DeRozan, LaVine, and others potentially available.
On July 2, the Heat were still waiting, but the buyout market could provide some answers, as they look to build a competitive roster for the 2026-27 season.
The next few weeks will be crucial, as the Heat navigate the buyout market, and Thompson, DeRozan, LaVine, and others consider their options.
Thompson's contract, due to expire after the 2026-27 season, could be stretched over three seasons, if the Mavericks decide to move on.
The Heat, with their roster spots to fill, could be the perfect landing spot, for Thompson, or one of the other buyout candidates.
As the Heat wait on James, they could find themselves in the mix, for Thompson, or another veteran shooter, looking to make an impact, in the 2026-27 season.