Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks, Lakers, Klay Thompson buyout
Getty
Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during a game against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center on January 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
Could the Dallas Mavericks be in the process of buying out Klay Thompson? The veteran sharpshooter is currently away from the team, and there’s uncertainty about his status for Tuesday night’s contest against the Phoenix Suns.
While the Mavericks have listed him as questionable (rest) for the game, head coach Jason Kidd noted on Monday that the four-time NBA champion is “not with the team,” sparking rumors of a potential contract buyout.
Klay Thompson Birthday Celebration
It’s worth noting that Thompson did play in Saturday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs before taking time off for his birthday on Sunday. According to multiple reports, his girlfriend, Megan Thee Stallion, hosted a special 36th birthday party for the Golden State Warriors legend while inviting his favorite rap group, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
As such, it’s entirely possible that Thompson sought some time off from the team to celebrate his birthday. However, it seems highly unlikely that Thompson, one of the consummate professionals in the NBA, would be away from his team for rest.
The Mavericks seem intent on getting younger and handing the keys of the franchise to rookie prodigy Cooper Flagg. They moved Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell before the NBA trade deadline, and reportedly fielded offers for Thompson, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington and other veterans on the roster. Many analysts beleive they will revisit those conversations over the offseason, as they turn the page to the Flagg era.
As the Mavs prepare for a rebuild, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce believes Thompson is the “biggest casualty,” as the veteran guard didn’t intend to join a rebuilding team and instead hoped to play for a championship contender.
Klay Buyout Buzz, Lakers Rumors
“Klay could’ve went to the Lakers but ended up going there because he wanted to play with Luka,” Pierce said, via Basketball Network. “And got Anthony Davis ended up now not even playing with Anthony Davis. Kyrie’s hurt and now they in a full rebuild.”
“…I feel bad for him,” Pierce said of Thompson. “He should’ve been the one to demand a trade at the trade deadline.”
Further to Pierce’s point, Thompson was originally slated to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent in 2024 but pivoted to the Mavericks with hopes of playing next to Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the rest of their veteran roster.
ESPN LA’s John Ireland, who shares close ties with Klay’s father Mychal Thompson, recently revealed that Klay would prefer a move to the Lakers if he gets bought out.
“Klay did not sign up for a rebuild,” Ireland said on ESPN LA’s “Mason & Ireland” show. “And if Klay got bought out, I have it on good authority that the first call his agent would make would be to the Lakers. Because he would love to finish his career here.”
The Lakers face significant challenges in signing Thompson if he is bought out. For one, they recently used their 15th roster spot on Kobe Bufkin, and would therefore need to waive or release someone else to create an open spot. Furthermore, as a First Apron luxury tax team, the Lakers are legally prohibited from signing a buyout player who previously made more than the Mid-Level Exception (approx. $12.8M).
Thompson makes $16.6M this season and $17.4M next year in an expiring deal.