Report: Klay seeking buyout of $17.5M contract! Heat and Warriors become desired destinations, Splash Brothers reunion possible.

On July 26, Beijing time, per renowned reporter Sidery, if the Mavericks are unable to trade him, Klay Thompson is anticipated to soon ask the team to buy out his $17.5 million expiring contract. It is believed that the Heat and the Warriors, who could bring him back to the Bay Area, are Thompson's preferred potential landing spots.

Earlier, the Miami Herald reported that although it is uncertain when Thompson can leave the Mavericks or even if he can get his wish, the Heat still list him as their primary trade target. The Mavericks' current total salary is well below the luxury tax line, so from a financial standpoint, there is no urgent reason to send Thompson away. This three-year contract is entering its final year, with Thompson earning $17.5 million annually; unless Thompson is willing to accept a significant pay cut in a buyout, the Mavericks have no intention of letting him go. If Thompson reaches a buyout with the Mavericks, he will incur a salary loss, and the Heat may ultimately need to use an $8 million exception to make up the difference.

Now 36 years old, Klay plays shooting guard. He entered the NBA as the 11th overall pick in the 2011 first round. Together with Stephen Curry, he formed the famous "Splash Brothers" and is considered an all-time top 3-and-D player and a legendary spot-up shooter.

Thompson spent most of his career with the Golden State Warriors, winning four NBA championships and being selected to five All-Star games. He set multiple classic records: scoring 37 points in a single quarter, hitting 14 three-pointers in a game, and scoring 60 points in 29 minutes. His two-way ability made him an indispensable second star of the Warriors dynasty. In the 2019 Finals, he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, and during his recovery, he also tore his Achilles tendon, missing two consecutive seasons. It took 941 days of rehabilitation before he returned to the court. The injuries significantly reduced his lateral quickness and physicality.

In the 2024 offseason, Thompson failed to reach an extension with the Warriors and joined the Dallas Mavericks via a sign-and-trade, signing a three-year, $50 million contract. Next season is the final year of the contract, with a salary of $17.5 million. After moving to the Mavericks, Thompson's performance has been inconsistent, struggling to consistently provide high-quality output. The Mavericks' salary is well below the luxury tax line, so there is little financial incentive to actively move him. As mentioned above, if a trade cannot be completed, Thompson plans to seek a buyout.

At this stage, the Heat see him as their primary acquisition target, and the Warriors are also considered a hot potential destination. A return to the Bay Area to finish his career is a common speculation. The key to buyout negotiations is whether Thompson is willing to take a significant pay cut. If a buyout creates a salary gap, the Heat might use the $8 million exception to fill the difference. Now at 36, Thompson still has quality outside shooting, but his defensive weaknesses have been magnified. He urgently needs to join a championship-contending team to continue his career.