The Miami Heat is flying high this offseason. On Sunday, the team officially welcomed another star.
“Klay Thompson cleared waivers Sunday and agreed to sign a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Miami Heat, a league source told The Athletic,” stated a report from The Athletic. “The source spoke anonymously because the deal had not yet been announced. The second year is a player option, and the deal also includes a 15 percent trade kicker. Thompson, 36, will join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo as he enters his 14th season with the revamped Heat. A career 40.9 percent 3-point shooter, Thompson is expected to provide much-needed floor spacing for Antetokounmpo and fellow Heat big man Bam Adebayo.”
Thompson, 36, has arrived in Miami, giving Giannis Antetokounmpo another sharpshooter and someone the Heat will depend upon next season as the team shifts its focus to contending for a championship.
Miami Heat’s Klay Thompson Move Comes With a Major Plus
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 09: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Chase Center on March 09, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Not only did the Heat land Thompson, a five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA performer, but the team got him at a super friendly price. According to the Miami Herald, Thompson’s financial sacrifice allows the Heat to sign two more players to a minimum contract, which could be massive if a player of interest becomes available on the buyout market.
“The Heat on Sunday could celebrate not only the addition of five-time All-Star guard Klay Thompson, but also the fact that the organization emerged from the transaction with more flexibility than some might have expected,” the Herald reported Sunday. “Because Thompson agreed to a first year salary of $5.6 million, that left the Heat with the ability to fill both the 14th and 15th roster spots, immediately if it chooses, without surpassing the $209 million hard cap under which it will operate this coming season.”
According to Heat reporter Barry Jackson, veteran big man Nick Richards is a candidate to fill out the roster.
“The Heat would like to fill the 14th roster spot with a power rotation player, a source said,” Jackson wrote. “Former Bulls center Nick Richards, who has been working with Heat players at Kaseya Center, remains very much in play for that spot.”
Miami Will Stay Patient in Finding Next Addition
That’s been the theme of the Heat’s offseason. Patience has been key — and has proven highly beneficial.
According to Jackson, Miami is not rushing to find a player to claim the 15th and final roster opening.
“Miami likely will hold off on signing a 15th player to a standard contract, at least for now, in order to see who shakes free in the buyout market. If the Heat doesn’t find a veteran it wishes to sign for the 15th spot, it could allow the team’s training camp invitation players to compete for the job, with ex-Kansas wing Tre White among those who intrigue the organization.”
Thompson took one for the team, hoping the Heat can add one or two potentially impactful players to close out the offseason.
Thompson, who is fourth all-time in 3-pointers made, made it a priority to join the Heat this offseason. Now he hopes to do in Miami what he once believed he would in Dallas.
Win a fifth NBA championship.
Report: Miami Heat Get Great News on Next Move After Signing Klay Thompson