Warriors' Draymond Plan Cost Them Chance at Klay After Mavs Buyout

The Golden State Warriors couldn't legally sign Klay Thompson after he agreed to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.

The reason is any team over the first apron can't sign a player who was set to make more than the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $15 million.

Thompson was set to make $17.5 million.

The Heat are reportedly set to sign Thompson once he clears waivers.

The Warriors could have prepared for the possibility Thompson would get bought out by staying under the first apron.

The one move that killed their chances at a Thompson avenue the most was re-signing Draymond Green to a one-year, $27.7 million contract.

What the Warriors Could Have Done to Give Themselves a Shot at Thompson

As I wrote here, the Dubs could have negotiated a multiyear deal with Green that kept his current salary low enough to keep them under the first apron but also gave him more total money than the $27.7 million player option he declined.

His first-year salary would have had to be just under $14 million. A three-year contract worth about $42 million would have done the trick.

Perhaps the Warriors did explore something like this and Green said he wanted the big one-year deal instead.

Regardless of what happened, the Dubs chose not to be in position for any expensive buyout player, and it's cost them a chance at Thompson and what will likely be other solid players in the months to come.

Heat Could Be Thompson's Last Landing Spot

The Heat are a great last landing spot for Thompson.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo leading the way, the Heat have more paint-scoring potential than most teams. Opponents will be forced to pack the paint, leaving open good looks for shooters.

Thompson should return to 40-plus percent from three that he was the first eight years of his career.

We'll see if he signs a one-year deal or a multiyear deal. If it's just a one-year pact, it's possible he'll look to join the Warriors for the 2027-28 season to run it back with Stephen Curry one more time.

But if the Heat have a strong season and benefit from Thompson's shooting gravity as much Thompson benefits from the rim pressure of Giannis and Bam, you'd think he rather stay in Miami than head back to the Bay.

Nothing will stop Thompson from signing a one-day contract with the Warriors when he's ready to retire. But a successful 2026-27 season in Miami could stop Thompson from trying to play another full season with the Dubs.

Add us as a preferred source on Google