NBA Market: Klay Thompson leaves the Mavs and goes to
The former Dallas player seems to have found a new place
Klay Thompson is about to embark on a new stage in his career. The veteran shooting guard, 36, is set to sign with the Miami Heat after becoming a free agent following the agreement to terminate his contract with the Dallas Mavericks, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
Thompson's departure from Dallas was officially announced this Friday, after the player expressed his desire to seek a new destination to the franchise. The objective of the five-time All-Star was clear: to play on a team with real aspirations to compete for the NBA championship.
Thompson was due to receive $17.5 million during the final season of his contract with the Mavericks. However, both parties have reached a buyout agreement allowing the player to become a free agent and choose his next destination.
Miami Heat Makes Thompson Their Top Target
The Miami Heat went after Thompson after making a major move in the summer: acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo. The arrival of the Greek player has completely changed the franchise's expectations in Florida, now aiming to surround their new superstar with players capable of providing experience and outside shooting.
In that context, Thompson fits perfectly. His ability to stretch the floor and punish from beyond the three-point line can become a key element alongside Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Although he is no longer the dominant player he was during his time with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson remains a significant threat from the perimeter. During his two seasons in Dallas, he averaged 12.9 points per game and converted 38.7% of his three-point attempts.
A Golden State Legend Pursuing Another Ring
Thompson spent the first 13 seasons of his career in Golden State, where he, along with Stephen Curry, formed one of the most important backcourt duos in NBA history.
During that period, he won four championships and was selected to the All-Star game five times. However, his career was marked by serious injuries that made him miss two consecutive seasons due to knee problems and later an Achilles tendon injury.
In the summer of 2024, he left the Warriors and arrived in Dallas through a sign-and-trade deal. Now, two years later, his time with the Mavericks comes to an end.
"Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks. We have enormous respect for Klay and all he has achieved in his career, and we wish him the best for the future," said Masai Ujiri, President of Basketball Operations for Dallas.
Thompson, Nearing Three-Point History
The move to Miami could also allow Thompson to continue climbing the ranks in one of the NBA's most significant historical records.
The shooting guard currently has 2,899 made three-pointers, having surpassed Damian Lillard last season to reach the fourth spot historically.
His next target is Ray Allen, a Hall of Famer, who retired with 2,973 three-pointers. Thompson only needs 75 triples to surpass Allen and claim the third spot.
Ahead of him are James Harden with 3,390 threes, and Stephen Curry, his former teammate and all-time leader, with 4,248.
His arrival in Miami, therefore, offers him a new sporting opportunity and the chance to continue making history. With Antetokounmpo and Adebayo as pillars, the Miami Heat hope that Thompson's experience, shooting, and winning mentality will be the missing pieces to build a genuine title contender.
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