Klay Thompson joins Miami Heat on two-year contract following buyout
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 10:14 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
Klay Thompson signed a two-year, $11.48 million contract with the Miami Heat after reaching a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks. The four-time NBA champion joins a Miami roster recently restructured around Giannis Antetokounmpo, who arrived in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. While Heat president Pat Riley described Thompson as a versatile piece for the team's championship pursuit, outside observers like Lonzo Ball have expressed mixed expectations for the roster's immediate chemistry. Thompson struggled with injuries during his tenure with the Mavericks, averaging 11.7 points over 69 games during the 2025-26 season. The organization views the addition as a necessary step to provide perimeter shooting for the frontcourt. Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra is currently working to integrate Thompson into the team's established defensive and tactical systems.
- •Klay Thompson signed a two-year deal worth $11.48 million with the Miami Heat.
- •The move follows a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks after two seasons.
- •Miami recently acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks.
- •Lonzo Ball noted potential defensive strengths but expressed skepticism about the team's immediate cohesion.
- •Pat Riley identified Thompson as a key contributor for the team's championship goals.
- 10:14 AMYahoo Sports — Klay Thompson Gets Powerful Heat Endorsement From 1x NBA All-Star as Former Teammates Reunite in Miami
- 11:30 AMYahoo Sports — Klay Thompson Wastes No Time Setting His Sights on Heat History With Ambitious 3-Point Question
- 9:45 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Gonna Be a Little Nasty’ – Former No. 2 Pick Thinks Heat’s Addition of Klay Thompson is Solid But He Has Reservations
"Klay Thompson gives the Miami Heat more offensive options because of his lethal 3-point shooting. After trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat formed a dynamic frontcourt duo with Bam Adebayo. Both big men can dominate inside the paint. They don’t shoot well, though, and could be an offensive weakness that opponents could quickly exploit. Having [...]
"People were not initially convinced about the Miami Heat this season, but Klay Thompson is changing perceptions. The four-time champion signed a two-year, $11.48 million deal with the Heat following a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, where he played for two seasons. He joins a team that is investing heavily in Giannis Antetokounmpo after acquiring [...]
"Klay Thompson joined the Miami Heat to contend for his fifth NBA championship. He teamed up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, giving the Heat a reliable and elite outside shooter. Thompson also reunites with his former teammate, one-time All-Star Andrew Wiggins. Both Thompson and Wiggins are expected to be part of the starting lineup [...]
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 10:14 AMKlay Thompson Gets Powerful Heat Endorsement From 1x NBA All-Star as Former Teammates Reunite in Miami
Klay Thompson joined the Miami Heat to contend for his fifth NBA championship. He teamed up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, giving the Heat a reliable and elite outside shooter. Thompson also reunites with his former teammate, one-time All-Star Andrew Wiggins. Both Thompson and Wiggins are expected to be part of the starting lineup [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 11:30 AMKlay Thompson Wastes No Time Setting His Sights on Heat History With Ambitious 3-Point Question
Klay Thompson gives the Miami Heat more offensive options because of his lethal 3-point shooting. After trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat formed a dynamic frontcourt duo with Bam Adebayo. Both big men can dominate inside the paint. They don’t shoot well, though, and could be an offensive weakness that opponents could quickly exploit. Having [...]
- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 9:45 AM‘Gonna Be a Little Nasty’ – Former No. 2 Pick Thinks Heat’s Addition of Klay Thompson is Solid But He Has Reservations
People were not initially convinced about the Miami Heat this season, but Klay Thompson is changing perceptions. The four-time champion signed a two-year, $11.48 million deal with the Heat following a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, where he played for two seasons. He joins a team that is investing heavily in Giannis Antetokounmpo after acquiring [...]
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