Klay Thompson's path out of Dallas on Friday still starts with the Golden State years that made him a Bay Area fixture: 13 seasons, four championships, five All-Star teams, then a 2024 sign-and-trade that never produced a Mavericks playoff series.
ESPN, the Associated Press, the Dallas Morning News, and USA TODAY Sports reported that Thompson and Dallas agreed to a contract buyout of the final season of his three-year deal. He was due $17.5 million in 2026-27. He has not cleared waivers and has not completed a new contract.
Splash Brother résumé without inventing a reunion
Preferred wires describe Thompson's Warriors peak as finished history, not as an active Golden State roster rumor. This desk will not claim a Warriors offer, a Joe Lacob reaction, or any Bay Area signing path the AP, ESPN, the Morning News, and USA TODAY Sports did not report.
What those outlets did report is the buyout itself and a sourced Miami intention after waivers. ESPN said Thompson told the 26-56 Mavericks he wanted a contender and that the Heat made him a top target after trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Contract path, carefully stated
ESPN's Shams Charania, citing sources, reported that Thompson plans to sign a two-year, nearly $13 million contract with Miami after clearing waivers, with a player option on the second year.
The AP, citing a person familiar with his plans who spoke anonymously because the detail has not been revealed publicly, said he intends to sign with Miami and may be able to do so as early as Sunday if unclaimed.
Until waivers finish, the accurate status is buyout agreed and next team not yet signed.