The Mavericks prefer to trade Klay Thompson rather than buy him out, leaving the Heat and other interested teams waiting to see whether the four-time champion eventually reaches free agency.
The Dallas Mavericks are not currently planning to grant Klay Thompson a contract buyout, despite interest from the Miami Heat and other potential contenders.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas would prefer to trade the four-time NBA champion and receive something in return before considering a buyout later in the offseason.
Miami and other teams are hoping Thompson eventually becomes a free agent, which would allow them to pursue him without surrendering players or draft compensation.
However, the Mavs have so far operated as though their priority is finding a trade.
Mavericks plan to exhaust trade possibilities
Thompson has one season remaining on the three-year contract he signed with Dallas in 2024 and is set to earn approximately $17.5 million during the 2026-27 campaign.
His expiring salary could be useful in a larger trade, while Dallas currently has little financial incentive to release him without receiving either an asset or significant savings through a negotiated buyout.
The Mavericks could reconsider their position if they fail to find a suitable trade before training camp.
Thompson's representatives could also push for a buyout later in the summer, but that is not currently Dallas' preferred outcome.
Credit AP - Scanpix
Miami hoping Thompson reaches free agency
The Heat have identified Thompson as a preferred option as they continue looking for additional perimeter shooting.
However, Miami's reported interest has largely centered on a buyout scenario rather than an active trade negotiation.
Reports previously noted that there was no indication a proposed package involving Nikola Jovic and draft compensation was seriously gaining traction.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points and 2.1 rebounds last season while shooting 38.3% from the three-point range.
The 36-year-old spent the first 11 active seasons of his career with the Golden State Warriors, winning four championships before joining Dallas in 2024.
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