Klay Thompson expected to join Heat after Mavericks buyout

Klay Thompson wanted another chance to chase a championship. It appears he’ll get one in Miami.

The Mavericks have reached a buyout agreement with Thompson, the team announced Friday, and the veteran guard is expected to sign with the Heat after clearing waivers, according to multiple reports.

Miami has targeted Thompson throughout the offseason, viewing his shooting as an ideal fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

The problem was getting him there.

Thompson was owed $17.5 million in the final year of his contract, and Dallas showed little interest in what Miami had available in a trade. The Heat instead held onto roughly $8.9 million of their mid-level exception in case Thompson eventually reached a buyout.

According to ESPN, Thompson recently informed the Mavericks that he wanted an opportunity to play for a contender. Miami certainly qualifies.

The Heat needed another perimeter threat after sending Tyler Herro to Milwaukee in the Antetokounmpo trade and losing Norman Powell to Chicago in free agency. Thompson, 36, averaged 11.7 points in 21.7 minutes last season while shooting 38.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Dallas also needed to resolve a roster crunch, as it had 16 players on standard contracts.

Thompson joined the Mavericks two years ago after winning four championships with Golden State. Dallas was fresh off an NBA Finals appearance at the time, but the direction of the franchise changed dramatically after Luka Doncic was traded the following season.

Now Thompson gets his desired fresh start, and the Heat get the shooter they’ve been waiting for all summer.