Masai Ujiri shares thoughts on Mavericks’ buyout with Klay Thompson

Team president Masai Ujiri reacted to the Dallas Mavericks’ contract buyout with veteran Klay Thompson. After speculation surrounding the potential move, Thompson is heading to the Miami Heat to team up with All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Ujiri released the following statement regarding the Mavericks’ agreement with Thompson, per The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis.

“Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization,” Ujiri stated. “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.”

The Heat were reportedly frontrunners to land Thompson, either via a trade or after a buyout with the Mavericks’ Masai Ujiri.

Klay Thompson expected to join Heat ahead of 2026-27

After missing out on reuniting with LeBron James after his decision to join the 76ers, the Heat reportedly had eyes for Klay Thompson this summer. The Clippers, who were also reportedly interested in landing Thompson, were also in the mix, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

“Miami continues to sit at the front of the line of teams hoping that Dallas buys out Klay Thompson,” Stein reported. “The Heat this week missed out on well-known target when Beal elected to re-sign with the Clippers. The Stein Line has learned that there has indeed been direct contact this offseason between new Mavericks president Masai Ujiri and Thompson, but Dallas has maintained since mid-June that it prefers to trade Thompson if possible rather than buy him out.

Thompson, coming off his second season with the Mavericks, averaged 11.7 points on 39.3% shooting, including 38.3% from beyond the 3-point arc, and 2.1 rebounds per game in 2025-26.

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