Overview
- Dallas has made clear since mid-August that it prefers trading Klay Thompson rather than granting a buyout so the Mavericks can get assets for his expiring $17.4–$17.5 million contract.
- Thompson has said his priority is joining a contender for a meaningful role, and Masai Ujiri has had direct conversations with him about how Dallas plans to proceed.
- The Miami Heat are widely viewed as the leading suitor waiting for a buyout so they can sign Thompson without surrendering young players or draft capital.
- Golden State would welcome Thompson back on a buyout, and the Los Angeles Lakers remain interested, but both teams see a buyout as the more feasible route than a trade.
- Dallas must cut to 15 standard contracts by the Oct. 19 roster deadline, a timing pressure that will likely determine whether Thompson is traded, bought out, or begins the season in Dallas.