The Dallas Mavericks sold Klay Thompson a compelling vision when he left the Golden State Warriors in the 2024 offseason: join a legitimate contender built around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, chase another ring, and finish his career in a winning environment.
Less than 18 months later, that vision has collapsed. Dallas has dramatically shifted into full rebuild mode — trading away stars, prioritizing youth, and centering the future around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg — leaving Thompson on a roster no longer competing for titles.
Nov 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) reacts to missing a shot during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Now, Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley has floated a bold prediction: the Mavericks could buy out Thompson in the coming weeks, opening the door for a playoff contender to swoop in and sign him for the rest of the 2025-26 season.
Akeley’s Buyout Prediction
In his latest free agency/buyout outlook, Akeley wrote:
“The Spurs are in the bottom 10 in three-point percentage, so they should have interest in Thompson if he gets bought out. Though Thompson is under contract for $17.5 million next season, I bet he’d be willing to give up a good chunk of that to join a contender.”
Key points from the prediction:
Thompson’s current contract runs through 2026-27 at $17.5 million — not expiring, making a buyout highly unusual (teams rarely eat guaranteed money mid-deal).Akeley believes Thompson would accept a significant pay cut to chase a ring on a contender — a realistic scenario given his age (35), legacy focus, and desire to compete.The San Antonio Spurs (second seed in the West) are specifically named as a logical landing spot due to their poor three-point shooting and need for veteran shooting/stability.
Why a Buyout Isn’t Impossible
While rare for non-expiring deals, the Mavericks could justify it:
They owe Thompson for the false promise of contention.They’re fully committed to youth/rebuild — Thompson’s skill set (elite shooting, off-ball movement) doesn’t align with a long-term tank.Eating part of the $17.5M next year would free cap space and send a message to future free agents that Dallas honors its commitments.
If bought out, Thompson would become a free agent midseason — instantly one of the most coveted buyout-market players available.
Why Warriors Reunion Is Impossible
Even if Thompson were bought out, a return to Golden State is off the table:
He earns more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (~$12–13M projected for 2026).The Warriors are above the first apron — NBA rules prohibit them from signing a player who previously made more than the MLE on the same deal.
A third-team destination would be heartbreaking for Warriors fans — but it’s increasingly realistic if Dallas decides to cut ties.
Thompson’s Current Form
After a slow start (including being moved to the bench full-time), Thompson has regained rhythm:
Averaging 11.6 pointsShooting 37.6% from three (solid but below his career elite mark)
He remains a high-IQ, off-ball shooter who can still space the floor and contribute on a contending roster — especially in limited minutes.
Warriors fans, would a Klay buyout and move to a contender (Spurs or otherwise) sting even more than his original departure? Mavs fans, do you think Dallas should buy him out to do right by him — or keep him as veteran presence during the rebuild? Other fans — which contender would be the best fit for Klay if he hits the buyout market?