NBA: Klay Thompson Joins Miami Heat on Two-Year, $13m Deal

Klay Thompson has completed his move to the Miami Heat on a two-year, $13 million contract after clearing waivers on Sunday.

The agreement, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, includes a player option for the second season and adds one of the NBA’s most accomplished three-point shooters to Miami’s revamped roster.

Thompson, 36, agreed to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, ending a two-year spell with the franchise that fell short of expectations.

The five-time All-Star is fourth on the NBA’s all-time three-point list and is expected to provide additional perimeter shooting alongside newly acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and centre Bam Adebayo.

“Klay is one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA,” Heat president Pat Riley said, praising his championship experience and versatility.

Thompson is a career 41 per cent shooter from beyond the arc and has made more than 200 three-pointers in 11 different seasons.

He also holds the NBA record for most three-pointers in a single game after sinking 14 in one outing. He has recorded at least 10 three-pointers in a game nine times.

The veteran enters the new season just 74 three-pointers behind former Miami guard Ray Allen for third place on the league’s all-time list.

Thompson spent the majority of his career with the Golden State Warriors, where he formed the celebrated “Splash Brothers” partnership with Stephen Curry.

The duo helped Golden State win four NBA championships, while Thompson established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter shooters.

Miami have significantly reshaped their roster during the offseason, including the acquisition of Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Heat also added veteran three-point shooter Tim Hardaway Jr., who has strong family ties to the franchise through his father, Tim Hardaway.

Thompson’s arrival gives coach Erik Spoelstra another experienced scorer with championship pedigree as Miami target a deeper playoff run.

His move follows an inconsistent period in Dallas. Thompson joined the Mavericks from Golden State in 2024 but saw the team’s plans disrupted by Luka Doncic’s departure and Kyrie Irving’s injury.

He will now begin his 14th NBA season in Miami, hoping to help the Heat compete for another NBA championship.