Klay Thompson’s Dallas Experiment Is Over — Now He’s Heading to Miami

Klay Thompson’s time with the Dallas Mavericks appears to be over, and the four-time NBA champion is already lining up his next opportunity. Dallas bought out the final year of Thompson’s contract Friday and placed him on waivers, with the 36-year-old expected to join the Miami Heat once he clears. Thompson reportedly wanted an opportunity with a contender, and Miami gives one of the greatest shooters in NBA history another chance to chase meaningful basketball late in his career. 

The move also makes basketball sense. Thompson averaged 11.7 points last season while shooting 38.3% from three, but his role in Dallas had diminished significantly. He started only eight of 69 games and never became the impact addition the Mavericks hoped they were getting when he left Golden State. Miami, meanwhile, continues trying to build a roster capable of making a serious postseason run and could use Thompson’s floor spacing around its stars. 

Nobody should expect the prime Warriors version of Klay Thompson to suddenly reappear. But Miami doesn’t need that. If Thompson can still punish defenses that leave him open and provide veteran playoff experience, this could be a low-risk opportunity for both sides. Dallas gets to move forward, Thompson gets another contender—and one of this generation’s greatest shooters gets another chance to prove he still has something left.