After a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson cleared waivers and signed a two-year deal with the Heat. He gave up roughly $10 million to join a Miami roster retooled around Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and returning pieces.
Thompson accepted a buyout that cost him roughly $9.8–$10 million to leave the Mavericks and sign with the Miami Heat.
He signed a two-year contract that includes a player option for the second season and framed the move as a choice to compete for another championship.
Miami’s offseason additions (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Tim Hardaway Jr.) and core players (Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins) create a roster Thompson called “limitless.”
# What happened
# Why Thompson made the move Thompson explained his decision simply: he wanted another chance to win. "I've tasted winning before and there's really nothing like it," he said. He described the Heat's environment as demanding, which was part of the appeal. He called the new roster's potential "limitless" and framed the upcoming season as a chance for personal redemption — to prove he can still impact winning consistently.
# Miami
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra stressed that Thompson brings more than shooting. Spoelstra said Thompson is "a highly, highly decorated champion," that he "knows how to win," has a strong basketball IQ, and takes pride in being a legitimate two-way player. That suggests Miami expects Thompson to contribute both on offense as a shooter and off the ball and on defense in team schemes.
# What Thompson brings on paper Thompson remains one of the NBA's most accomplished shooters. He ranks fourth all-time in made three-pointers and sits 74 makes behind Ray Allen for third on the all-time list. At 36 years old, Thompson's experience in championship settings is a focal point of Miami's plan for veteran leadership and situational execution.
# Contract and roster context The reported two-year contract includes a player option in the second year, giving Thompson flexibility after the first season. The financial trade-off — giving up nearly $10 million in the Mavericks buyout — indicates Thompson prioritized joining a contender over maximizing short-term salary.
# How this affects Miami's outlook Adding Thompson provides a veteran shooter and championship-tested wing to a team that now features multiple stars. The Heat's construction suggests a win-now orientation, mixing a new superstar (Giannis) with established role players and experienced champions. Thompson's stated readiness for a demanding environment aligns with Miami's culture under Spoelstra.
# Bottom line Thompson left significant money on the table to sign with a Heat team rebuilt to compete immediately. His stated motive is straightforward: he wants to win another title and believes Miami offers that path while also matching the competitive environment he prefers.
Klay Thompson gave back roughly $9.8 million in his buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks and plans to join the Miami Heat once he clears waivers, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The financial concession ends Thompson’s two-year stint in Dallas and positions the 36-year-old to join a Miami roster rebuilt
The Miami Heat won the sweepstakes for Klay Thompson. The four-time NBA champion just gave a little more insight into why he picked the Heat after clearing waivers.
Mychal Thompson reveals why Klay Thompson turned down a trade-window push to join Luka Dončić's Lakers, choosing a buyout move to the Miami Heat instead.
In his recent buyout from the Dallas Mavericks, veteran wing Klay Thompson reportedly gave up nearly $9.8 million. Thompson was waived by Dallas on Friday and is set to clear waivers on Sunday. After clearing waivers, Thompson is expected to join the Miami Heat on a two-year, $13 million contract. Thompson was set to m
Klay Thompson addressed reporters on Tuesday after officially joining the Miami Heat, discussing his decision to sign and what he hopes to bring to his new team. Thompson cited personal ties to the city, including his father Mychal's high school title run at Miami Jackson High in 1974 and his brother's connection to He
Klay Thompson addressed reporters on Tuesday after officially joining the Miami Heat, discussing his decision to sign and what he hopes to bring to his new team. Thompson cited personal ties to the city, including his father Mychal's high school title run at Miami Jackson High in 1974 and his brother's connection to He
Loading more related stories...
Open the app view to save this story, compare related coverage, and continue from the same source.