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Klay Thompson Reportedly to Sign with Heat After Agreeing to Mavericks Contract Buyout
Klay Thompson reached a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks and is set to join the Miami Heat on a two-year deal. Reports vary on the contract's exact value, but the move pairs the veteran sharpshooter with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami's push for contention.
Klay Thompson is set to join the Miami Heat, closing a week that saw the Dallas Mavericks buy out the final year of his contract. The move, first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, ends Thompson's two-season stint in Dallas and pairs him with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami. The team has not yet officially announced the signing.
News of the buyout emerged Friday, when Dallas announced it would pay out the final season of Thompson's deal, a season in which he was due to earn $17.5 million. Thompson cleared waivers Sunday, and outlets subsequently reported his agreement with the Heat.
Reports of the contract's value are split. Several outlets, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, NBC Sports, and Bleacher Report, cited a two-year agreement worth approximately $11.5 million. Other reports, including those from ESPN and TSN, placed the contract at $13 million. The discrepancy has not been publicly resolved, and the Heat have not confirmed the exact terms. What appears consistent across reports is that the second season of the contract will be at Thompson's option.
A Buyout with Financial Costs
The buyout with Dallas came at a significant financial cost to Thompson. He was slated to earn $17.5 million in the 2026-27 season. Reports from HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, cited by several outlets, stated that Thompson gave back roughly $9.8 million of that amount to secure his release. Other reporting from NBC Sports put the buyout figure at $9.5 million. The difference reflects varying accounting for the new Miami contract and the original Dallas salary.
Thompson's new deal in Miami is expected to pay him between $11.5 million and $13 million over two years, with his first-year salary likely around $6.34 million if the higher figure holds. Still, he stands to lose money in the immediate term, which reports have interpreted as a clear signal of his desire to compete.
Thompson's Decline in Dallas
Thompson's final season in Dallas was a statistical low. In 69 appearances, he averaged 11.7 points per game, with career-low field-goal and three-point percentages (39.3% and 38.3%). Early in the season, coach Jason Kidd moved Thompson to the bench after just seven games, breaking a written promise from the 2024 offseason that Thompson would start. Kidd characterized the move as short-term, and Thompson was reinserted into the first team for a loss to the Knicks in mid-November, but he eventually settled into a reserve role for the remainder season.
The decline has been attributed by Bleacher Report to age and injuries sustained earlier in his career, including a torn ACL and a torn Achilles. In his first year with Dallas, he averaged 14 points, his lowest full-season output since his rookie year, along with a 41.2% field-goal percentage—a personal worst at the time. The Mavericks had hoped for a Ray Allen-like role for Thompson, but his shooting fell short of that comparison.
Miami's Motivation: Shooting and Veteran Presence
The Miami Heat's interest in Thompson aligns with their need for perimeter shooting around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Pat Riley, the Heat president, lauded Thompson in a statement as "one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA" and said the team is "blessed" he chose Miami in their quest for championships. Reports from the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson noted that Riley has long valued older veterans around a core and believed Thompson's championship experience and shooting made him a first choice.
Thompson remains one of the NBA's all-time leaders in three-pointers, ranking fourth. Even in a reduced role last season, he made 202 three-pointers at a 38.3% clip, enough that defenses cannot easily leave him open. The Heat's offense revolves around the interior scoring of Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, making perimeter shooting a pressing need.
Whether Thompson starts or comes and off the bench for Miami remains undecided. Barry Jackson reported that coach Erik Spoelstra will consider Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Pelle Larsson for the starting shooting guard job. Thompson, who had been a starter his entire career until last season, is considered by some reports a strong contender for the spot. Insider Ira Winderman suggested Thompson may start but might also split time with Larsson, who could close some games for defensive stability.
Mavericks Rebuild and Warriors Reconnaissance
The Mavericks, who finished 26-56 last season, are rebuilding around a younger core. Executive Masai Ujiri's football restructure and the offseason trade that moved Luka Dončić signaled a new direction. Thompson's exit is expected to open minutes for younger players, including forward Cooper Flagg. Ujiri praised his former player, saying Thompson is "one of the great players and competitors of his generation."
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors once hoped opportunities might have been possible to bring back Thompson, but he chose Miami over a veteran minimum reunion with his former team. The Warriors are now looking to fill roster spots, with reports suggesting targets like Gabe Vincent.
Perspectives
Dallas Mavericks: Club president Masai Ujiri delivered a public farewell honoring Thompson's career, noting his contributions and attributes, but also acknowledged the end of an era. The organization appears forward-looking, pointed at a rebuild with younger players.
Miami Heat: President Pat Riley and other officials emphasized the addition of winning experience and shooting, framing Thompson as a clear cultural and stylistic fit.
Klay Thompson: Sources indicate Thompson wanted to join a contending team, impacting his decision to accept a buyout and sign a Miami for under-market value.
How each outlet told it
Fox News — World
Framing: Reports the buyout and destination, framing Thompson as a likely Hall of Famer and emphasizing his championship pedigree. — Respectful and informative, with a focus on Thompson's legacy. The tone is neutral.
Facts Included:
Thompson is expected to sign with the Heat after clearing waivers following a buyout with the Mavericks, according to ESPN.
Framing: Reports the signing and the partnership with Antetokounmpo, focusing on the addition of shooting. — Neutral and slightly anecdotal, with a focus on personal fit. The tone is positive.
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson has signed his deal with the Miami Heat.
Thompson cleared waivers Sunday afternoon and finalized a two-year deal worth about $11.5 million.
The second season is at Thompson's option.
Thompson is No. 4 on the NBA's all-time 3-pointers made list.
The Heat wanted to add shooting to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Thompson loves the water and boating; the Heat play at Biscayne Bay.
Thompson is of Bahamian heritage, and the Bahamas is a short flight from Miami.
Framing: Emphasizes that Thompson will sign with the Heat after a buyout, and that details were revealed. It highlights the move itself and the new contract, without focusing on the financial sacrifice or the Mavs' perspective. — Analytical and slightly pessimistic about Thompson's current abilities, supported by quotes like "the days of Thompson being a big difference-maker on a contender may be over."
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson agreed to a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Miami Heat after reaching a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick and Darnell Mayberry.
Thompson cleared waivers on Sunday.
The deal reportedly includes a player option for the second year and a 15 percent trade kicker.
The Mavericks announced Friday they are buying out the final year of Thompson's contract; he was due to earn $17.5 million for 2026-27.
In 69 appearances last season, Thompson averaged 11.7 points and set career lows in field-goal percentage (39.3) and three-point percentage (38.3).
Jason Kidd shifted Thompson to the bench after seven games, despite promising him a starting spot in 2024.
The Golden State Warriors were pragmatic about Thompson's usage and free agency.
Thompson missed two full seasons due to torn ACL and Achilles.
His first year with Dallas: averaged 14 points, lowest since rookie season, field-goal percentage 41.2 (personal worst).
The Mavs envisioned Thompson in a Ray Allen-like role; Allen shot 37.5% from three in his final season.
Thompson's long-range shooting has declined, and he is not as good a defender or off-the-dribble scorer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo entered the Heat this summer.
Framing: Focuses on the buyout and expected destination, but the headline does not mention the contract details or the financial sacrifice. — Analytical and somewhat pessimistic about Thompson's current abilities, similar to the other Bleacher Report article. The tone is measured.
Facts Included:
The Dallas Mavericks announced Friday they are buying out the final year of Klay Thompson's contract.
Thompson was due to earn $17.5 million for the 2026-27 season.
Thompson is expected to join the Miami Heat after he clears waivers, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
In 69 appearances, Thompson averaged 11.7 points and set career lows in field-goal (39.3%) and three-point (38.3%) percentages.
Jason Kidd shifted Thompson to the bench after seven games, despite promising a starting spot.
Kidd indicated it was only temporary, and Thompson returned to the first unit in a loss to the Knicks in mid-November, but eventually assumed a reserve role again.
The Warriors were pragmatic rather than sentimental with Thompson's usage and free agency.
Breaking up the 'Splash Brothers' wasn't wanted, but the Warriors understood Thompson was on a downward trajectory.
Missing two seasons due to torn ACL and Achilles accelerated the decline.
In his first year with Dallas, he averaged 14 points, lowest since rookie season, and 41.2% field goal percentage (personal worst).
The Mavs envisioned Thompson in a Ray Allen-like role; Allen shot 37.5% from three in his final season.
Thompson's long-range prowess has started to desert him, and he's not as dogged a defender.
The days of Thompson being a big difference-maker may be over, but he's a low-risk addition for a Heat team that saw Giannis enter the fold.
Framing: Highlights the amount Thompson gave up in the buyout, framing it as a significant sacrifice to land with the Heat. — Analytical and slightly sympathetic, acknowledging the financial cost. The tone is neutral.
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson reportedly sacrificed $9.8 million of his 2026-27 salary to secure a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Thompson is planning to sign a two-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Heat to join Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
The Heat desperately needed more shooting on the perimeter.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points and shot 38.3% from three in 69 games for Dallas last season.
Miami could utilize him in a sixth-man role or as a starter, with the depth chart thinning after the starting five.
Players like Bobby Portis and either Thompson or Hardaway will have considerable roles off the bench.
The Mavericks are rebuilding around a younger roster, headlined by second-year star Cooper Flagg.
Thompson's buyout will allow the Mavericks to give more minutes to younger talents.
Masai Ujiri's statement: "Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation..."
Framing: Announces the official signing, focusing on the completion of the deal and Riley's endorsement. — Celebratory and welcoming, with a tone of excitement from Riley. The tone is positive.
Facts Included:
Thompson cleared waivers Sunday and will join the Heat.
Pat Riley's statement: "Klay is one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA..."
Thompson spent two seasons with the Mavericks, appearing in 141 games with 80 starts.
He averaged 12.9 points on 40.3% shooting from the field and 38.7% from 3-point line with Dallas.
Framing: Focuses on Riley breaking his silence on the signing, emphasizing the reasoning behind the move rather than the financial details. — Analytical and respectful, with a tone that appreciates Riley's strategy. The tone is positive about Thompson's addition.
Facts Included:
The Miami Heat have made Klay Thompson’s arrival official.
The $11.5 million deal was signed.
Pat Riley made Thompson a priority for the roster built around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Riley has long believed teams need older veterans around their core.
Jackson reported that Thompson’s role on four championships and long-range shooting made him Miami’s first choice.
The deal allowed Miami to add a veteran without a massive long-term commitment.
Miami's offense revolves around Giannis and Adebayo, creating a need for shooting.
Thompson ranks fourth on the all-time three-point list.
Riley has a history of adding veterans like Ray Allen, Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning, and Andre Iguodala.
Framing: Focuses on the next target after Thompson, specifically Nick Richards, shifting the narrative to roster-building. — Analytical and forward-looking, with a tone of strategic planning. The tone is neutral.
Facts Included:
The Heat have reshaped their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Klay Thompson as a major addition.
Thompson agreed to a two-year contract worth $11.48 million.
Thompson's contract starts at $5.6 million in 2026-27 and includes a $5.88 million player option for the following season.
The Heat have flexibility to add two more players on veteran-minimum deals while staying under the hard cap.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat would like to fill the 14th roster spot with a power rotation player.
Nick Richards, former Bulls center, has been working with Heat players at Kaseya Center and is in play.
Richards is 6-foot-11, appeared in 48 games split between Suns and Bulls, averaged 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in Chicago in 22.4 minutes.
The Heat need a traditional backup center behind Adebayo.
Richards could set screens, finish around the rim, and protect the paint.
Framing: Focuses on the Heat's roster plan after the Thompson move, emphasizing financial flexibility and future additions. — Analytical and strategic, with a tone of careful planning. The tone is neutral.
Facts Included:
The Heat's reported move for Klay Thompson may look like a finishing touch, but the numbers suggest Pat Riley is far from finished.
Miami is operating close to financial limits, yet a two-year agreement could leave the Heat enough to add two more players.
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel revealed that Miami had structured the move with further roster flexibility in mind.
Winderman: "Yes, it will be a two-year deal, but will leave the Heat with enough wiggle room to add two other players."
Miami had roughly $10.6 million of space below the projected $209 million first-apron hard cap before accounting for Thompson.
If his expected two-year, $13 million contract carries a first-year salary of around $6.34 million, the Heat would have approximately $4.26 million of breathing room.
Winderman wrote that Miami could "offer one minimum deal, one deal with most of the remainder of this mid-level exception, and then hold a spot on the standard roster to fill with a prorated portion of the minimum down the road."
Following Thompson's arrival, the Heat would have 13 players on standard contracts, leaving two vacancies.
The Heat could wait to fill the final roster spot.
Thompson made 202 three-pointers last season at a 38.3% clip.
The Heat lack flexibility for another major move but have room for targeted additions.
Framing: Focuses on whether the Heat will start Thompson, revealing Spoelstra's plan according to an insider. It emphasizes the role decision. — Analytical and speculative, with a focus on roster strategy. The tone is measured, using phrases like "strong front-runner."
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with the Heat, according to ESPN, and his deal will become official once he clears waivers.
Thompson, 36, had been a starter his entire career until last season with the Mavericks.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Thompson is one of three candidates for the starting shooting guard job, alongside Tim Hardaway Jr. and Pelle Larsson.
Larsson started 54 games for the Heat last season, averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, shooting 49.6%.
Hardaway signed a one-year contract and averaged 13.5 points and nearly 41% from three with Denver.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points and 38% from three with Dallas last season.
Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel believes Thompson will be the starter and that played into his interest.
Winderman noted that DeMar DeRozan might have turned away from the Heat because of the writing on the wall that Klay would take the final starting spot.
Winderman suggests Pelle Larsson might close games due to defense.
The Heat's starting lineup could include Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, and Thompson, forming a strong defensive unit.
Framing: Focuses on a proposed free agent target for the Warriors, positioning this as a solution after missing on Thompson. — Speculative and analytical, with a hopeful tone about Vincent's potential fit. The tone is measured.
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson won't be returning to the Warriors after getting bought out by the Mavericks.
The Warriors hoped for big names like LeBron James, Thompson, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the core isn't changing much.
The Warriors have roster spots to fill before the 2026-27 season.
A proposal by Diego Ortiz of Roundtable Sports to target Gabe Vincent as a sixth man.
Vincent has been a bench player and could fit as a backup point guard.
Vincent's decline with the Lakers: averaged 4.8 points, 1.3 assists, 34.6% shooting in 2025-26, then traded to Hawks.
Vincent started his career with the Heat, was undrafted in 2018, and played in the G League.
The Lakers invested a three-year, $33 million deal in Vincent.
Vincent had a key role with the Heat, including playoff minutes.
The Warriors need to stay competitive with Steph Curry.
Framing: Focuses on Masai Ujiri's message to Thompson, highlighting the respectful farewell from the Mavericks. — Respectful and appreciative, with a tone that acknowledges the end of an era. The tone is supportive of Thompson's decision.
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Heat after a buyout with the Mavericks.
The Heat also landed Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade.
Masai Ujiri released a statement: "Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation..."
Thompson played 141 games for the Mavericks, averaging 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
Thompson signed with the Mavs after their 2024 Finals run, hoping to be a missing piece, but Dallas traded Luka Doncic and undertook a rebuild.
Thompson wanted to contribute to a contending team.
Thompson will provide floor spacing for the Heat around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Thompson shot 38% from 3-point range last season, with a career 40% average.
Framing: Focuses on the Heat's trade intentions for a star point guard, using Thompson's signing as a backdrop. — Speculative and strategic, with a focus on future moves. The tone is measured.
Facts Included:
The Heat is expected to sign Klay Thompson to a two-year, $13 million contract once he clears waivers.
Thompson and the Mavericks agreed to a contract buyout this week.
The Heat held onto Nikola Jovic, who was speculated to be included in a trade for Thompson.
According to Ira Winderman, if the right deal comes along for a star point guard, Jovic wouldn't be off limits in a trade.
Winderman noted that Myron Gardner only has a partial guarantee, allowing for two additional players.
Winderman mentioned the Aug. 29 'stretch' deadline looming.
The Heat have addressed 3-point shooting but lack a quality table-setter.
Jovic is on a large enough contract to land a star-caliber guard in a trade, and he is still 23.
Winderman previously noted that Gabe Vincent could be a target if a stronger option isn't reached.
The Heat have quality depth at forward: Andrew Wiggins, Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and Jovic.
According to NBA insider Brett Sigel, the Heat explored trading Jovic earlier this offseason but decided against it.
Jovic has a four-year, $62.4 million extension kicking in, with a $16.2 million salary this season.
Framing: Focuses on Draymond Green's reaction, highlighting the personal and playful angle of Thompson's move. — Lighthearted and nostalgic, with a focus on the personal relationship. The tone is friendly.
Facts Included:
Draymond Green reacted to Klay Thompson's decision to join the Heat on Instagram, writing "South Beach Killa!!" and a message about buying a new boat.
Thompson plans to sign a two-year contract worth nearly $13 million with Miami after clearing waivers, according to Shams Charania.
The second season includes a player option.
Thompson could officially join the Heat as early as Sunday.
Green's joke connects to Thompson's history with boats, buying one during injury recovery and using it to travel to Warriors practices.
Thompson described being on the water as giving him a sense of "liberation and freedom" in a 2022 interview.
ESPN reported that Thompson called the boat "The Splash Express."
After leaving for Dallas, Thompson considered bringing a boat but decided against it.
Green was emotional about Thompson's departure in 2024, saying he shed tears.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points last season, shooting 38.3% from 3-point range over 69 games for Dallas.
Miami can deploy that shooting around Giannis and Bam, with another former Warrior in Andrew Wiggins.
Thompson ranks fourth in NBA history with 2,899 made 3-pointers.
Framing: States the buyout and Thompson's destination, focusing on the factual transaction without emphasizing financial or performance decline. — Neutral and factual, with a celebratory note regarding his career achievements. The tone is informative, using quotes from Ujiri.
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson had his NBA contract bought out by the Dallas Mavericks, announced Friday (Saturday in Manila).
Thompson will sign with the Miami Heat according to multiple reports.
Thompson is 36-year-old, four-time NBA champion with Golden State Warriors, joined Dallas in July 2024 as part of a six-team trade.
Thompson has a 40.9% career three-point average, and has averaged 18.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists over a 13-year career.
In two seasons with Dallas, he averaged 12.9 points and 38.7% from three over 141 contests.
Masai Ujiri's statement: "Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation..."
The Mavericks went 26-56 last season and Thompson reportedly told management he wanted to depart for a contending club.
The Heat obtained Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade with Milwaukee last month.
In January, Thompson passed Damian Lillard for fourth on the NBA's all-time three-point list, with 2,899 three-pointers made.
Alex Rodriguez is increasing his investment in the Timberwolves and Lynx, as part of ownership change valuing franchises at $4.5 billion.
Framing: Reports the clearing of waivers and the new contract, emphasizing the financial aspects and the expected role. — Neutral and analytical, with a focus on roster and cap implications. The tone is measured.
Facts Included:
Thompson cleared waivers Sunday and quickly agreed to a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Heat, according to multiple reports.
The Heat have not officially announced the signing.
Thompson gave up $9.5 million in the buyout with Dallas.
Thompson gets to play for a team with championship aspirations.
Thompson averaged a career-low 11.7 points a game last season (in reduced minutes, more than 21 a night), shooting 38.3% from 3-point range (7.6 attempts per game).
Thompson likely will be a starter but may split time with Pelle Larsson; Larsson may close games due to defense.
After signing Thompson, Miami has two open roster spots and is about $4.7 million below the first apron, where the team is hard-capped (because of the Antetokounmpo trade).
The Heat will likely fill one spot with a minimum player and leave the other open.
Free agent center Nick Richards has been working out in Miami and could be signed.
Miami has remade its roster, adding Antetokounmpo, Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bobby Portis.
Framing: Focuses on the financial amount Thompson gave back in the buyout, emphasizing the cost of his departure. — Informative and analytical, with a focus on the logistics of the buyout. The tone is neutral.
Facts Included:
Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reports that Klay Thompson gave back $9.8 million in a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks.
Thompson will reportedly move on to the Miami Heat.
In joining the Heat, Thompson would likely come off the bench and play a floor-spacing role.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points and shot 38.3% from deep last season with Dallas.
There is a chance Thompson starts alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis and Bam Adebayo.
Pelle Larsson may take a smaller role than anticipated.
Thompson's first two seasons in Dallas have not gone as planned, with his 38.7% three-point mark nearly four percentage points lower than with the Warriors.
The Mavericks have not been a contender in Thompson's two seasons, especially after Nico Harrison traded Luka Dončić.
With 16 players on standard contracts and new lead executive Masai Ujiri, it’s unsurprising the Mavericks explored the market for Thompson.
In July, Miami had interest in Thompson.
The Heat's interest is not contingent on signing LeBron James.
Thompson would need to be bought out of the $17.5 million final year.
Thompson played just over 10 minutes in Sunday’s season finale and made four three-pointers, finishing with 202 on the season, 11 seasons with at least 200 three-pointers (only Stephen Curry has more).
Framing: Focuses on the surprising financial details of Thompson's exit from the Mavericks, particularly the amount he gave up in the buyout. — Analytical and financial, with a hint of surprise at the amount given up. The tone is matter-of-fact, using phrases like "And boy, did he."
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks agreed to a buyout on Friday afternoon, paving the way for him to join the Miami Heat.
The Mavericks tried to trade him, but it was difficult due to age and cap hit.
According to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, Thompson gave up roughly $9.8 million of the $17.5 million he was owed, well over half.
Thompson is set to sign a two-year, $13 million deal with the Heat, with a player option in the second year.
Depending on the structure, Thompson likely gave up between $3 and $4 million in total to leave the Mavs.
Thompson wants to compete for championships and believes the Heat give him the best chance.
The Mavericks will still owe roughly $7.6 million of Thompson's salary.
The Mavericks are at 15 standard contracts after the buyout.
The Mavericks have roughly $214 million in total salary, about $12 million short of the tax line.
The Mavericks have about $7 million remaining from the Anthony Davis trade exception, expiring around trade deadline.
The Mavericks have exactly $12 million of their nontaxpayer midlevel exception open, expiring at season's end.
The Mavericks can be aggressive in taking on bad salaries to add draft capital.
Framing: Focuses on the Warriors' need to make moves after missing out on Thompson and DeRozan, positioning the article as a guide for roster improvements. — Opinionated and prescriptive, with a sense of disappointment but moving forward. The tone is practical, as it offers a plan.
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson was bought out by the Mavericks before agreeing to sign a two-year, nearly $13 million deal with the Heat.
Thompson could have joined the Warriors on a veteran minimum contract due to CBA rules, but chose higher salary and better contention chances with the Heat.
DeMar DeRozan agreed to a veteran minimum contract with the Nuggets; the Warriors would have offered a bigger role.
The Warriors have two standard contract roster spots and one two-way spot to fill.
The article proposes signing Brandon Williams, releasing Malevy Leons, signing Graham Ike and Lajae Jones to two-way deals, and signing Georges Niang.
Brandon Williams is a backup point guard option but lacks three-point shooting.
The Warriors have LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons on two-way deals.
Kelly Olynyk is considered as an alternative to Niang.
Framing: States simply that Thompson lands with Heat after clearing waivers, focusing on the completion of the move without emphasizing financial or performance aspects. — Neutral and straightforward, with no strong emotional coloring. The tone is informative, using phrases like "in an ideal spot."
Facts Included:
Klay Thompson officially agreed to a two-year deal to join Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat after clearing waivers on Sunday.
The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday, is for $13 million and includes a player option in the second season.
Thompson, 36, became available after the Dallas Mavericks bought out the final year of his contract worth $17.5 million.
Thompson had informed the Mavericks, who went 26-56 last year, that he wanted to play for a contender.
The Heat made Thompson their top target after the Antetokounmpo trade.
Thompson is fourth on the all-time 3-pointers made list and is 74 3s behind Ray Allen.
Thompson spent first 13 seasons with Warriors before sign-and-trade to Dallas in 2024; he is a five-time All-Star and four-time champion.
Each row is one claim, attributed to the outlet whose wording states it most clearly. Confidence rates how directly the source text states the claim — explicit and unhedged rates high; hedged, pieced-together, or internally inconsistent statements rate lower. It does not measure whether the claim is true. Status counts the distinct outlets we found asserting it — so a single-source claim can still show high confidence, and a multi-source claim can show medium. Every one of those outlets is named beside the status, so you can check the count against the list. For claims extracted before we began storing that list, the row says so: it names the outlet the claim is quoted from and states that we have not recorded which outlets backed it. Outlets wrote at different times, so a figure that evolves — a casualty count, for example — can legitimately differ between rows; check the "as of" time next to each claim's source.
Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimKlay Thompson agreed to a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Miami Heat after reaching a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick and Darnell Mayberry.
ClaimIn 69 appearances last season, Klay Thompson averaged 11.7 points and set career lows in field-goal percentage (39.3) and three-point percentage (38.3).
ClaimJason Kidd shifted Klay Thompson to the bench after seven games, despite promising him a starting spot when Dallas made its pitch in the 2024 offseason.
ClaimIn his first year with Dallas, Klay Thompson averaged 14 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season, and his field-goal percentage (41.2) was a personal worst at the time.
ClaimKlay Thompson spent the first 13 seasons of his career with the Golden State Warriors before joining the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in 2024.
ClaimKlay Thompson could have joined the Warriors on a veteran minimum contract due to CBA rules, but chose a higher salary and better contention chances with the Heat.
ClaimMavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said: 'Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization.'
ClaimAlex Rodriguez is increasing his investment in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, as part of an ownership change valuing the franchises at $4.5 billion.
ClaimAccording to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Klay Thompson is one of three candidates for the starting shooting guard job, alongside Tim Hardaway Jr. and Pelle Larsson.
ClaimPelle Larsson started 54 games for the Heat last season, averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 49.6% from the floor.
ClaimIra Winderman noted that DeMar DeRozan might have turned away from the Heat because of the writing on the wall that Klay Thompson would take the final starting spot.
ClaimThe Heat's starting lineup could include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, and Klay Thompson, forming a strong defensive unit.
ClaimKlay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks after their 2024 NBA Finals run, hoping to be the missing piece on a championship team, but Dallas traded Luka Doncic seven months later and undertook a rebuild.
ClaimKlay Thompson averaged a career-low 11.7 points a game last season in reduced minutes (just more than 21 a night), shooting 38.3% from 3-point range on 7.6 attempts per game.
ClaimAfter signing Klay Thompson, Miami has two open roster spots and is about $4.7 million below the first apron, where the team is hard-capped because of the Antetokounmpo trade.
ClaimAccording to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Pat Riley has long believed teams with championship aspirations need older veterans around their core.
ClaimBarry Jackson reported that Klay Thompson's role on four championships and his long-range shooting made him Miami's first choice to strengthen the perimeter rotation.
ClaimNick Richards is a 6-foot-11 center who appeared in 48 games split between the Suns and Bulls, averaging 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in Chicago in 22.4 minutes per game.
ClaimKlay Thompson's first two seasons in Dallas have not gone as planned, with his 38.7% three-point mark nearly four percentage points lower than with the Warriors.
ClaimThe Mavericks have not been a contender in Klay Thompson's two seasons, especially after former lead executive Nico Harrison traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers.
ClaimKlay Thompson played just over 10 minutes in Sunday's season finale and made four three-pointers, finishing with 202 on the season, marking his 11th season with at least 200 three-pointers, behind only Stephen Curry (13).
ClaimDraymond Green reacted to Klay Thompson's decision to join the Heat on Instagram, writing 'South Beach Killa!!' and sending a message about buying a new boat.
ClaimIf Klay Thompson's expected two-year, $13 million contract carries a first-year salary of around $6.34 million, the Heat would have approximately $4.26 million of breathing room below the hard cap.
ClaimIra Winderman wrote that Miami could offer one minimum deal, one deal with most of the remainder of the mid-level exception, and hold a roster spot for a prorated minimum later.