Why Klay Thompson is signing with Heat instead of Lakers, Warriors after Mavericks buyout

Why Klay Thompson is signing with Heat instead of Lakers, Warriors after Mavericks buyout originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After being bought out by the Mavericks on Friday afternoon, Klay Thompson swiftly found a new home for the 2026-27 season.

The sharpshooting guard agreed terms to a deal with the Heat, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 36-year-old is the latest addition to a new-look Miami side spearheaded by Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Thompson reportedly commanded serious interest from the Heat’s front office, emerging as a top target for the franchise after Antetokounmpo’s arrival. He should fold nicely into Erik Spoelstra’s side, which looked desperate for shooting help last season. 

With that, here’s what you need to know about Thompson’s signing.

MORE: Meet tech investor Marc Stad, the Timberwolves’ newest majority owner

Why Klay Thompson is signing with Heat

Thompson landed with the Heat after clearing waivers following his contract buyout on Friday, per Charania. He reportedly initiated the transaction, informing Dallas’ front office of his desire to play for a contender.

Slated to earn $17.5 million in the final year of the three-year, $50 million deal he inked with the Mavericks via sign-and-trade, Thompson was Miami’s top target, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. The organization coveted him following Antetokounmpo’s acquisition.

The logic behind bringing in Thompson is simple. Miami was left with precious little outside shooting after the Antetokounmpo trade. Thompson, a career 40.9% shooter form deep, spaces the floor like few others in league history.

While Thompson’s skills have waned, he remains one of the league’s elite marksmen. He canned 38.3% of his three-point attempts last year. He should provide floor spacing for Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo to operate.

Klay Thompson contract details

The terms of Thompson’s contract have yet to be revealed. He should collect a healthy payout as per the terms of his buyout with the Mavs. According to Spotrac, Miami has about $10 million of first apron space to work with. Thompson could ostensibly ink an mid-level exception to join the Heat’s ranks. The taxpayer MLE for the upcoming season sits at a little over $6 million, according to Real GM.

Klay Thompson career stats

• 18.6 points per game
• 3.4 rebounds per game
• 2.2 assists per game
• 0.8 steals per game
• 0.5 blocks per game
• 1.6 turnovers per game
• 44.8 percent field goal shooting
• 40.9 percent 3-point shooting
• 85.8 percent free throw shooting

Klay Thompson age

Thompson is 36 years old. He’ll turn 37 during the 2026-27 season.

Despite his relatively advanced age, Thompson has stayed fairly durable in recent campaigns. He has played at least 69 games in each of his past four seasons.