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Heat Sign Klay Thompson to Two-Year $13 Million Deal

8/23/2026

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Summary

Thompson Signs Heat

Miami Heat sign veteran guard Klay Thompson after his buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
He gave up roughly $9.8 million of his $17.5 million expiring salary in the buyout.
He will sign a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option for the second season.
The Heat expect Thompson to earn about $6.3 million first-year, totaling roughly $14 million with Mavericks’ $7.7 million owed.

Summary

Heat Favored

Sportsbooks rate Miami Heat about twice as likely as Golden State Warriors to win the 2026-27 NBA title.
Heat now have three All-Star caliber players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Klay Thompson.
Heat’s title odds also hinge on Jimmy Butler’s ACL recovery and Kristaps Porzingis staying healthy.
Thompson replied that his scoring reflects strong teams, not a “bad team” scenario.

History

Historical Context

In July 2004 Pat Riley traded for Shaquille O'Neal, giving the Miami Heat a veteran star to pair with second-year guard Dwyane Wade. The Shaq-Wade combo propelled Miami to a franchise-best 59-23 record in the 2004-05 season and a conference-final appearance. The franchise now repeats that approach, adding veteran guard Klay Thompson to chase a 2026-27 title.

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Thompson Signs Heat

Miami Heat sign veteran guard Klay Thompson after his buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
He gave up roughly $9.8 million of his $17.5 million expiring salary in the buyout.
He will sign a two-year, $13 million contract with a player option for the second season.
The Heat expect Thompson to earn about $6.3 million first-year, totaling roughly $14 million with Mavericks’ $7.7 million owed.

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