August 24, 2026 • 12:02 AM EDT
Updated 12 days ago
Klay Thompson is officially heading to South Florida. After clearing waivers on Sunday from his buyout with Dallas, Thompson agreed to join the Miami Heat on a two-year, $11.5 million deal. You probably saw this one coming, but now it’s real — Thompson will suit up for a Miami team that’s going all-in this offseason.
No one expected a team to claim his $17.5 million salary, so the waiver process was just a formality. Thompson walked away from $9.5 million with the buyout but now comes to Miami with a fresh start on a team dreaming of another finals run. For a player with his résumé, it’s a perfect fit.
According to Yahoo Sports, Miami wasted no time confirming the signing. The Heat welcomed Thompson publicly, declaring, ‘We just made a splash, bro! Welcome to the 305, @KlayThompson,’ highlighting the excitement in the city and within the organization to bring in a four-time champion and one of the game’s premier shooters.
So what does this mean for Miami, and the East in general? Let’s break it down. Thompson likely slots into a starting role for the Heat, a team now loaded with firepower after also bringing in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bobby Portis this offseason. There’s no such thing as too much shooting, especially when you’ve got Giannis and Bam Adebayo needing space. Miami’s offense instantly gets more versatile and dangerous.
Now, the numbers: last season, Thompson played a reduced role — just over 21 minutes per night — but still knocked down 38.3% of his threes on a healthy 7.6 attempts a game, averaging 11.7 points (a career-low, but context matters with less time on the court). Miami will want a bigger impact, though expect him to split minutes with Pelle Larsson. Larsson is a better defender right now, so you might see him close tight games while Klay handles big stretches alongside the stars.
The Heat aren’t done shaping their roster, either. After the Thompson signing, they’ve got two roster spots open and sit about $4.7 million below the first tax apron, thanks to the recent blockbuster moves. Rumor has it free agent center Nick Richards is working out in Miami and could claim a spot, while one slot may stay empty for flexibility.
- Klay Thompson officially cleared waivers from Dallas following a buyout, as expected.
- He immediately agreed with Miami on a two-year, $11.5 million contract, and the Heat confirmed the deal.
- Miami adds Thompson to an already revamped roster featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bobby Portis.
- Thompson’s role could shift between starting and sharing minutes with Pelle Larsson, who may close games for defensive reasons.
- The Heat, with $4.7 million of cap room left, are considering filling at least one open roster spot, possibly with Nick Richards.
Thompson’s Impact, Breaking Down The Numbers
There’s a reason Miami wanted Thompson. Even in a down year, his accuracy from deep makes defenders change their whole game plan. At 38.3% from three, he’s still torching teams even with less opportunity. On this refreshed Heat squad, his spacing makes life easier for every attacker, especially Giannis and Bam.
Yes, his scoring dipped with fewer minutes, but that’s not a sign he’s washed, just that his role changed. In Miami, expect his usage to bump up again. There’s intrigue in how he and Larsson share the workload, especially since Larsson is stronger on the defensive end. Keep an eye on those closing lineups — you could see one or the other, depending on the matchup.
Cap Space, Roster Moves, And What’s Next For Miami
After this latest flurry of moves, Miami sits $4.7 million below the luxury tax first apron, which means they have a bit of breathing room if another bargain or a minimum contract player stands out. Reports suggest Nick Richards is the name to watch as he auditions with the team. With just two roster spots left, Miami has the option to keep one spot open, which is smart business as the season unfolds and buyout candidates emerge.
Key takeaways for bettors
- Klay Thompson’s arrival bumps Miami’s offensive ceiling up a notch.
- Expect heavy three-point shooting and improved spacing around the stars.
- Thompson’s minute split with Larsson could change based on defensive needs late in games.
- Miami is still one step from a finalised roster, with potential for another veteran addition.
- Thompson turned down big money to chase a ring in Miami, showing he’s motivated.
- Bettors should watch for early shifts in Heat futures and win totals.
- Miami’s depth and flex with cap space make them a tough team to predict, especially if another key signing happens.
- Monitor Thompson’s early-season minutes and role; a bounce-back scoring year is in play.
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