Klay Thompson Joining Miami Has Former Heat Champion & ESPN Analyst Excited

Klay Thompson is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after leaving the Dallas Mavericks.

Klay Thompson Joining Miami Has Former Heat Champion & ESPN Analyst Excited

Klay Thompson (Image credits - Bleacher Report)

It looks like Klay Thompson is finally on the move after weeks of uncertainty regarding his future with the Dallas Mavericks. He bought out his Mavs contract after a mutual agreement to walk away from the franchise. The buyout sees his two-year spell with the Mavs come to an end.

After his exit, reports say Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat on a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option in the second season. He was scheduled to earn $17.5 million in the final year of his deal with the Mavs.

During his time in Dallas, Thompson missed the playoffs in both seasons. He also saw himself restricted to a bench role last season.

Former Heat star Jason Williams expressed excitement over Thompson’s move to Miami.

Just what the Heat needed bruh! That’s going to take them to a different level. Klay Thompson has a lot left in the tank! Pat Riley, you done did it again!

Jason Williams on Hoopin’ N Hollerin’

Jason Williams spent three seasons with the Heat and played an instrumental role during their championship run in 2006. He believes Thompson still has a lot left to give, and his veteran experience could be an important factor in the playoffs.

Thompson is the Heat’s second big acquisition of the offseason as they traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in June. The Heat are looking to build their team around their frontcourt duo of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Therefore, a move for a sharpshooter like Thompson is a welcome signing for the franchise.

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The Heat are a formidable team after signing Klay Thompson

The Heat have struggled since their NBA Finals run in 2023. They were beaten in the first round of the playoffs in 2024 and 2025, and missed the playoffs this year after losing to the Charlotte Hornets in the Play-In Tournament. Their poor performances saw even Heat legend Dwyane Wade call them out for not keeping the city buzzing.

ESPN insider Brian Windhorst believes that the Heat have done a fine job after landing Thompson.

They got Klay Thompson, one of the greatest 3PT shooters of all time. He did not play well last year but the role he’ll be expected to play which is ‘stand over there, get open, get the 3PT shot and release it.’ I think it’s as good of an addition as the Heat could have made.

Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective Show

After acquiring Antetokounmpo early in the summer, the Heat were expected to make some major changes to their roster as they look to contend for the championship next year. Thompson will be hoping that the Heat will be better to him than the Mavs ended up being.

Golden State Warriors offseason goes from bad to worse after Klay Thompson buyout decision

Klay Thompson was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2011. He spent 11 seasons and won four championships with them. The 36-year-old was linked to multiple teams over the last few weeks, and he even admitted that he would love to end his career with the Dubs. Warriors’ team sources revealed that they would welcome him with open arms if he secured a buyout.

Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson (Image credits – NBA)

His move to the Heat makes the Warriors’ summer go from bad to worse, as they are the only team that has not made a single trade or signing this summer. As presently constructed, the Dubs are far from contenders in a stacked Western Conference.

However, the player option for Thompson’s second year leaves a door open for his return to Golden State. But for now, the Warriors will accept that one half of the “Splash Brothers” will not be donning their jersey next season.

The expectations surrounding the Heat are going to be higher after landing the four-time champion. He averaged 12.9 points per game while shooting 38.7% from three-point range during his time in Dallas. He could be the answer to the Heat’s perimeter shooting needs.

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