Miami Heat Sign Four-Time NBA Champion and Sharpshooter Klay Thompson

MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Heat are expected to sign four-time NBA Champion and three-point specialist Klay Thompson to a two-year, $13 million contract, including a player option, after clearing waivers upon a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.

With a need to add more outside shooting, President Pat Riley and the front office are securing one of the best in league history.

Thompson is coming off a career-worst season. He averaged 11.7 points on 39.3 percent shooting, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 69 games (eight starts). Given the surprise Luka Doncic blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Thompson’s trajectory changed significantly.

Rather than playing alongside a superstar, the franchise is undergoing a reset.

Thompson reached the Heat’s radar once LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. He will provide floor-spacing alongside All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, who do more damage in the paint. Thompson has shot a career 40.9 percent from behind the arc.

Despite suffering two major injuries (torn left ACL in the 2019 Finals and a torn right Achilles tendon in 2020), the 36-year-old can still be a serviceable rotation piece.

Thompson will likely play in a reserve role rather than starting. He joins a bench unit of Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson, Bobby Portis Jr., Dru Smith, and Simone Fontecchio. Thompson emphasized wanting to join a contender and will meet that desire in South Florida.

However, the Heat aren’t done making roster moves. Following Thompson’s signing, they will have two standard roster spots available, plus a two-way contract. Free agent center Nick Richards has been on the “list of possibilities” for the Heat.

Other than winning championships with the Golden State Warriors, one of the greatest dynasties in league history, Thompson is infamous for a 52-point performance against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 29, 2018. It still holds the record for the most three-pointers made (14) in a single game by a player.

Another historic performance came on Dec. 5, 2016. Thompson scored what remains a career-high 60 points while making eight three-pointers.

Although times have changed since then, the Heat still bring an impactful veteran with championship pedigree. He is likely to sign on a veteran minimum contract. It’s a new chapter for the 15-year veteran.

The Eastern Conference has several contenders ahead of the season, but Thompson looks to boost the Heat’s chances. A press conference will likely be announced in the upcoming days to welcome the newest member.

Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports