After a contract buyout with his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson officially became the newest member of the Miami Heat, creating a powerful lineup alongside several fellow All-Stars. Thompson cleared waivers on Sunday afternoon, allowing him to sign a two-year deal to play in South Beach. According to The Athletic, that deal is worth $11.5 million.
It comes weeks after the team acquired two-time NBA MVP and former champion Giannis Antetokounmpo. On Sunday evening, the Heat welcomed their newest star, formerly one-half of the Golden State Warriors' Splash Brothers with Stephen Curry. "We just made a splash, bro!
Welcome to the 305," the Heat social media account said in a message, tagging their newest roster addition. More news: Nuggets Trade Brings Stunning Peyton Watson Admission from Rich Paul Heat team president Pat Riley also shared a statement regarding Thompson, with high praise for the five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion. "Klay is one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA.
A four-time battle tested World Champion who will fit perfectly into his role as an all-around player at both ends of the court. We all talk about his shooting skill, but there is so much more he brings to the game. We are blessed that Klay chose the Heat in our quest to challenge for championships," Riley said, per the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman.
ESPN's Miami Heat depth chart reflects that Thompson will be a key reserve for the team, coming off the bench behind shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and Thompson's former Warriors teammate, Andrew Wiggins. Thompson gives Miami an elite sharpshooter known for his 3-point shooting. He currently ranks fourth on the NBA's all-time list for 3-pointers made with 2,899 and can overtake Hall of Famer Ray Allen by making another 75 3-pointers in his debut season with the Heat.
Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists with Dallas and shot 38.3% from the 3-point range. With big men like Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo potentially creating many open looks for Thompson, he could be ready to make a serious impact in South Beach and move up that career list. More news: VJ Edgecombe Has High Praise for 76ers Teammates LeBron James, Jaylen Brown For more about the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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