The Miami Heat landed Klay Thompson to form a solid roster alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo after the sharpshooter agreed to a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran guard is now helping the squad by signing for less money than expected.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Thompson took less money to give Miami the ability to sign two more players: “That is why Thompson went one step further to help his new team by agreeing to a two-year, $11.5 million contract, which is less than the initially reported $13 million mark by ESPN at the time of Klay’s decision for a buyout and sign with Miami.”
“Taking $1.5 million less doesn’t seem like that big of a deal for Thompson, but it’s significant for the organization since the Heat now have $5 million to work with below the first apron,” Siegel noted. “This means the front office can add two more players to this roster on minimum contracts before the 2026-27 season and remain in good financial standing.”
Starting on the right foot
Thompson‘s sacrifice is already proving to be something fans love. Fans expect to see him play at a high level, even though he has not been the same since his ACL injury.
Klay Thompson during a Dallas Mavericks game.
Thompson spent the past two NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. Last season, the future Hall of Famer transitioned to a bench role for the first time since his rookie season in 2011-12.
Thompson, a five-time All-Star, ranks fourth in NBA history in 3-pointers made with 2,899. He needs only 75 3-pointers to pass Ray Allen for third place. Thompson averaged a career-low 11.7 points for the Mavericks last season, shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% on 3s, both career lows.
What is expected of Thompson
The Heat hope Thompson can revive his best form and replicate the magic he created with Golden State, where he teamed up with Stephen Curry to create the “Splash Brothers,” considered by many the best shooting guard pairing of all time.
Miami Heat opens the regular NBA season at home on Oct. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Five nights later, Thompson and the Heat host the Mavericks.
