Klay Thompson gets Mavericks buyout, expected to join Heat: report

One of the greatest shooters of all time seemingly won’t be available for long.

The Dallas Mavericks and guard Klay Thompson agreed to a buyout Friday, Aug. 21 for the final year of his contract, worth $17.5 million. And though Thompson still has to go through the waivers process, he’s expected to sign with the Miami Heat, if not claimed, according to ESPN.

ESPN reported the deal would be two years for $13 million, with a player option in the second season..

A person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that Miami is a very attractive option for Thompson and one of his top choices. The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly comment on Thompson’s thinking.

Thompson, 36, is a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion known for his precision and accuracy as a perimeter shooter. With Miami, he brings much-needed shooting to a roster that underwent an overhaul after the June acquisition of star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

While the Heat are set to roll out a stout defensive team, perimeter shooting had been one of the clear weaknesses, and Thompson fills that need. Given that Antetokounmpo is a player who commands enormous defensive attention, a shooter like Thompson should presumably have ample space to operate if opposing teams send double-teams and extra pressure toward Antetokounmpo.