Klay Thompson finalises two-year deal with Miami Heat
The 36-year-old sharpshooter joins the Heat on a contract worth approximately $11.5 million, adding significant perimeter depth to a roster recently reshaped by the acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Klay Thompson has finalised a two-year contract with the Miami Heat, worth approximately $11.5 million, with the second season at his option. The 36-year-old guard cleared waivers on Sunday afternoon, allowing the Heat to secure the veteran shooter after waiting for weeks to see if the opportunity would arise.
The signing follows a contract buyout agreed with the Dallas Mavericks, which was executed on Friday. This move concludes Thompson’s two-year stint in Dallas, a period disrupted by the Mavericks’ trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Thompson joins a roster that has undergone significant changes this summer. The Heat recently acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Kasparas Jakučionis. They also signed Tim Hardaway Jr., further bolstering their perimeter shooting options.
The addition addresses a specific tactical need for the Heat, who have historically had limited players capable of making more than 200 three-pointers in a single season. Thompson, a career 41% shooter from beyond the arc, has achieved that milestone 11 times in his career. He is currently fourth on the NBA’s all-time list for three-pointers made, sitting 74 behind Ray Allen for third place.
The fit also carries personal resonance for Thompson, who is of Bahamian heritage and has a known affinity for boating and the water. These factors align with Miami’s location on Biscayne Bay and the presence of a sizable Heat fan base in the Bahamas.
Thompson brings substantial experience to the team, having won four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors as part of the “Splash Brothers” duo with Stephen Curry. He is a five-time All-Star and holds the league record for the most three-pointers made in a single game, with 14.
