Klay Thompson Joins Giannis in Miami on Two-Year Deal After Mavericks Buyout

Klay Thompson finalized a two-year contract with the Miami Heat on Tuesday after clearing waivers following a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks.

MIAMI — Klay Thompson officially joined the Miami Heat on Tuesday, finalizing a two-year contract that includes a player option for the second season. The five-time All-Star arrives in South Florida after clearing waivers Sunday following a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks, a move that saw him forgo approximately $10 million to secure a roster spot alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Andrew Wiggins. Thompson, who currently ranks No. 4 on the NBA's all-time list for 3-pointers made, enters the upcoming season needing just 74 successful shots from deep to surpass former Heat guard Ray Allen for third place on the league's career leaderboard.

The sharpshooter holds the NBA record for the most 3-pointers in a single game with 14 and has recorded at least 10 triples in a contest on nine separate occasions. His arrival follows a massive summer overhaul for the Heat, who previously acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks. To facilitate that blockbuster trade, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis to Milwaukee. The revamped roster also features new signee Tim Hardaway Jr., adding further perimeter depth to a team Erik Spoelstra describes as having "limitless" potential.

Family Ties and South Florida Connections

Thompson’s introduction at a Tuesday news conference, which was delayed by local traffic, highlighted deep-rooted connections to the Miami area. His father, Mychal Thompson, was a standout athlete at Miami Jackson High, where he won a state championship in 1974. Additionally, his brother Mychel Thompson attended the same Oregon high school as Coach Spoelstra. Living in Miami also places the four-time NBA champion in closer proximity to his extended family residing in the Bahamas.

"I know it's a demanding atmosphere," Thompson noted during his introductory remarks. "That's what attracted me to being here." He characterized the move as a "redemption season," expressing a desire to prove he can still impact winning consistently at the highest level. Having previously secured four titles with the Golden State Warriors as one-half of the "Splash Brothers" with Stephen Curry, Thompson emphasized that the opportunity to win again was the primary catalyst for his decision.

Defensive Versatility and Veteran Leadership

Coach Erik Spoelstra praised Thompson as a "highly, highly decorated champion" and a legitimate two-way player. Beyond his shooting prowess, Spoelstra highlighted Thompson’s defensive pride and high basketball IQ as essential components for the new-look Heat. The veteran guard joins a starting core built around the defensive versatility of Adebayo and the interior dominance of Antetokounmpo.

With the addition of Tim Hardaway Jr., who grew up in the city while his father played for the franchise, the Heat have prioritized elite spacing. Spoelstra acknowledged the increased pressure on the organization, stating that there will be "a lot of eyeballs" on the team this year. For Thompson, the transition represents a chance to replicate the success of his tenure in San Francisco within a different Eastern Conference environment.

Statistical Milestones and Roster Depth

As Thompson chases Ray Allen on the all-time shooting list, he brings a championship pedigree to a locker room that recently shed several young assets to acquire Antetokounmpo. The departure of Herro and Jaquez Jr. opened the door for Thompson to take on a significant role in the rotation. The Heat's front office has focused on surrounding their core stars with proven winners, a strategy Thompson validated by choosing Miami over more lucrative financial options.

"I've tasted winning before and there's really nothing like it," Thompson said, reflecting on his career achievements. He noted that the prospect of competing for another ring was the most attractive aspect of the Heat's offer. The team now prepares to integrate these new pieces, with Thompson eager to begin work with a group he believes can change the competitive landscape of the league.