Mavericks fail to capitalize on Klay Thompson's value as Heat signing looms

It was just announced that the Dallas Mavericks have negotiated a $17.5 million buyout with Klay Thompson, and he is expected to sign with the Miami Heat. While it was inevitable the Mavericks would have to get rid of one player before the start of the regular season to get to 15 standard contracts, there's no doubt the Mavericks come away as losers in this instance.

It seemed like Thompson wouldn't be a Maverick by the start of next season amidst endless rumors over Dallas buying him out or trading him, but given the Heat's reported trade interest in Thompson, it seemed logical that Dallas would be able to extract some value for the all-time marksman and four-time NBA Champion.

For what it's worth, NBA insider Marc Stein posted on X that Dallas at least tried to trade Thompson, but clearly they mustn't have had much leverage given a buyout was the ultimate solution here.

Dallas loses Klay Thompson for absolutely nothing via buyout

It would be different if we were talking about a fringe player on the back half of Dallas' roster, but even at 36 years old, it's very bitter to not extract any sort of value for someone of Thompson's stature, as well as the contract he was on.

Dallas had until right before the start of the regular season to get down to 15 standard contracts, so if they traded Thompson for someone like Nikola Jovic and some second-round picks, for instance, they could've cut someone less costly before the start of the season.

For Thompson, this is a huge win for him and the Heat, as he addresses a huge need for a roster now headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo and will have the opportunity to at least contend in the playoffs in the East.

Mavs didn't have leverage, but this is a stain on the new front office

Thompson came to Dallas under the impression he'd have a chance to compete with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic for a few seasons in hopes of winning another NBA championship, so given how things ultimately unraveled in Dallas, one can't blame him whatsoever for wanting to still have a chance to contend during the later stage of his career.

While there are obviously new figures in Dallas' front office, Dallas probably would've had an easier path to trading Thompson at the trade deadline last season if they went that route, as that's when teams are desperate to add final pieces in hopes of competing in the playoffs, but they waited till the end of the summer, and their leverage completely dried up.

Had Dallas found a trade for Thompson, they could've figured out their roster crunch in the next couple of months, and they also probably would've added an intriguing younger player. Not to mention, they wouldn't have had $17.5 million of dead money sitting on their books, so it cannot be underscored that this looks like a loss for Dallas' new front office at face value.

Thompson may not be the player he once was, but it's hard to imagine Dallas couldn't find a single suitor for his services on the trade market, even if their leverage diminished in the last few months. What's done is done, though, and Thompson is getting the fresh start he wants with the Heat at Dallas' expense, and Mavericks fans will have to wait and see if Dallas has any more moves up their sleeve before training camp starts next month.

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