When the Miami Heat pulled off the blockbuster trade for two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, everyone was ready to put them in the contender conversation. But they still need reinforcement in one thing: perimeter shooting, having given up Tyler Herro, one of the league's best 3-point shooters, to acquire Antetokounmpo, along with Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis, and a heavy haul of draft picks. On Friday, the Heat got their sharpshooter.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Miami intends to sign five-time All-Star Klay Thompson to a two-year deal around $13 million, including a player option in his second season. Thompson had just agreed to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, and once he clears waivers, he's expected to sign with the Heat. More news: Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Reacts to No Longer Being NFL’s Highest-Paid RB More news: George Kittle’s Achilles Recovery Takes Positive Turn Ahead of Week 1 Thompson has been one of the hottest names on the market for months.
With the Mavericks clearly heading in a younger direction under first-time NBA head coach Dusty May and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, it felt like Thompson could chase another ring elsewhere. Now he lands in arguably the best possible situation, joining a team that desperately needs his help and where he can make an impact right away. Last season with Dallas, Thompson averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 21.7 minutes per game, shooting 38.3% from 3-point range.
He may not be the 20-point-per-game scorer he was in Golden State, but he's still an elite perimeter shooter who can stretch the floor — and a four-time NBA champion. That championship pedigree is crucial for a Heat team that sees itself as a title contender. Miami also brought in Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason, who shot 40.7% from deep last season with the Denver Nuggets, and still has Andrew Wiggins, who shot 41.4% from three.
But adding Thompson gives head coach Erik Spoelstra another proven veteran who can play comfortably off the ball and doesn't need 30 minutes a night to make an impact. With what could be one of the best two-way frontcourt duos in NBA history in Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, and now three reliable perimeter scorers, the Heat suddenly look like a far more viable contender in what's quickly become a loaded Eastern Conference. More news: Jerry Jones Plans to Make Cowboys Players Pay for $500,000 NFL Fine
Extract — continue reading at the source.
