Klay Thompson. Image via: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Klay Thompson agreed to join the Miami Heat on August 21, 2026, after a Dallas Mavericks buyout. The 36-year-old five-time All-Star is expected to sign a two-year, nearly $13 million contract with a player option in Year 2. Thompson averaged 11.7 points and shot 38.3% from three in 2025-26. Category Details Player Klay Thompson Current Team Dallas Mavericks Contract Status Buyout, then two-year deal with Miami Salary Cap Hit Nearly $13 million over two years Latest Insider Update Expected to sign after clearing waivers The numbers explain why Miami wanted him. Thompson averaged 11.7 points last season while shooting 38.3% from three. Across his two seasons in Dallas, he averaged 12.9 points and shot 38.7% from deep. He has also been fourth on the NBA’s all-time three-point list, with 2,899 made entering this move. The Heat are expected to give Thompson a two-year contract worth nearly $13 million, with a player option for the second season. It represents a major reduction from the $17.5 million salary he was scheduled to receive from Dallas next season. The 2026-27 season will certainly be interesting for the Heat.
He now joins Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in Miami. There is a clear defensive tradeoff. Thompson is no longer the perimeter stopper he was during Golden State’s championship years, and his athleticism has declined after major injuries. Miami will need its interior defense, led by Giannis and Adebayo, to absorb some of that burden. Thompson’s Miami chapter now begins with a clear assignment: space the floor, embrace his role and help Giannis and Adebayo push the Heat toward another championship run.