On Friday, Klay Thompson officially parted ways with the Dallas Mavericks after spending two seasons with the team following 2024's six-team sign-and-trade involving the Golden State Warriors. The Mavericks reportedly worked out a buyout of Thompson's $17.5 million expiring salary, as he'd indicated he wanted to join a contender. Reports from various sources, including ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania, suggested that Thompson will sign a two-year deal with the Miami Heat worth nearly $13 million.
After the news hit of Thompson leaving Dallas, the Mavericks social media account shared several parting messages, including one from Mavericks president Masai Ujiri. "Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization. We have tremendous respect for Klay and all that he has accomplished throughout his career, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward," Ujiri said in his statement on Friday.
More news: Mavericks’ Klay Thompson Fires Back at ‘Casuals’ in Ray Allen NBA Debate "One of the greatest to ever do it. Champion, leader and a true pro. Thanks for everything, Cap," the Mavericks wrote in their social media message.
Thompson departs a Mavericks team still in rebuild mode around their No. 1 pick last year, Cooper Flagg. They'll have All-Star and NBA champion point guard Kyrie Irving back from injury this coming season. The Mavericks' parting messages show exactly how respected Thompson was in just a few seasons in Dallas, and seem to suggest that the parting of ways was amicable.
In his two seasons with Dallas, Thompson played in 141 games and started in 80. He averaged 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and shot 40.3% on field goals. While those are nowhere near his career highs, he can still contribute and may have found a great situation where he can do just that.
It appears Thompson is getting exactly what he was looking for, with a contender. He'll now join a Miami Heat squad that added two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo via a blockbuster trade this offseason and already had All-Star Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt. Thompson provides them with an elite shooter whom they can kick out to for 3-pointers, something he's well known for making from his days as part of the "Splash Brothers" with Stephen Curry in Golden State.
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