Klay Thompson officially joined the Miami Heat with a two-year contract around August 23, 2026, after agreeing on a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks [1, 2]. The deal is reported to be worth approximately 13 million USD over two years, with the second year featuring a player option [1, 3, 2]. Thompson, 36, had one year left on his Dallas contract valued around 17.5 million USD for the 2026-27 season but accepted a buyout that cost him about 9.8 million USD in salary to join Miami [1, 4, 2].
Thompson spent 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, winning four NBA championships and earning five All-Star selections before moving to Dallas in a sign-and-trade deal in July 2024 [1, 3, 4]. He played two seasons with the Mavericks, averaging roughly 12.8-12.9 points per game on 38.7%-39% shooting from three-point range [5, 3, 2]. In February 2025, Dallas traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers and acquired Anthony Davis, a trade that impacted Thompson's role on the team [4].
Currently, Thompson ranks fourth on the NBA all-time three-point field goals made list with 2,899 made triples. He needs about 75 three-pointers to surpass Ray Allen’s 2,973 and move into third place [1, 6]. Thompson requested the buyout to join a more competitive, championship-contending team [1, 3, 4]. Miami Heat president Pat Riley welcomed Thompson, saying he is exactly the veteran player needed to boost their championship chances alongside stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo [2]. Riley said, "We look forward to his contributions on both ends of the floor" [2].
Dallas Mavericks owner Marc Cuban and basketball operations president Nico Harrison expressed gratitude for Thompson’s contributions and wished him success ahead [5, 3].
Thompson’s signing marks a key addition to the Heat’s roster as they aim for the 2026-27 NBA season. The Heat will expect Thompson to begin integrating immediately as the new season approaches.
