Miami – The Miami Heat announced Sunday that veteran guard Klay Thompson cleared waivers and finalized a two‑year contract worth roughly $11.5 million. The deal includes a player option for the second year, giving Thompson flexibility as he heads into his 14th NBA season.
Why the Heat pursued Thompson
Heat President Pat Riley praised Thompson as “one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA,” noting his four‑time championship experience and reputation as a well‑rounded player on both ends of the court. The team’s recent roster overhaul—highlighted by the acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee—creates a clear need for elite perimeter shooting, a role Thompson has filled throughout his career.
Thompson, a 36‑year‑old native of the Bay Area with Bahamian heritage, has a personal connection to South Florida. He enjoys boating on Biscayne Bay and has spoken publicly about his love for the water, making the Heat’s waterfront home a natural fit.
Thompson’s track record
Thompson ranks fourth on the NBA’s all‑time three‑point list and has a career 41 % shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Last season he recorded his 11th 200‑plus three‑pointer year, a milestone the Heat have only reached seven times in franchise history. He brings a championship pedigree, having helped the Golden State Warriors win four titles as part of the famed “Splash Brothers” duo with Stephen Curry.
His résumé includes five All‑Star selections, the league record of 14 three‑pointers in a single game, and nine games with at least ten made threes. He is currently 74 three‑pointers shy of Ray Allen’s mark for third place on the NBA’s all‑time list, a record once held by former Heat guard Ray Allen.
Recent Heat moves
The Thompson signing follows a busy offseason for Miami. In addition to bringing Giannis Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis from Milwaukee, the Heat traded Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakučionis to the Bucks. The club also added another three‑point specialist, Tim Hardaway Jr., a Miami native whose father played for the Heat.
Thompson’s departure from the Dallas Mavericks was finalized after a contract buyout on Friday. His two‑year stint in Dallas began as part of a sign‑and‑trade with Golden State, intended to pair his shooting with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. That experiment unraveled after the Mavericks traded Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025, Irving suffered an ACL tear, and Anthony Davis—acquired in the same deal—was later moved to Washington.
What’s next for Miami
With Thompson now on board, the Heat will look to blend his elite shooting with Antetokounmpo’s all‑court versatility and Adebayo’s interior presence. The roster overhaul signals Miami’s intent to contend for the NBA championship this season.
Fans can follow the Heat’s progress through the team’s official channels and the WPBF 25 News app, which provides up‑to‑date sports coverage.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
