Klay Thompson is officially a member of the Miami Heat. After clearing waivers with the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson signed a two-year contract worth approximately $11.5 million with Miami, featuring a player option in Year 2.
Thompson’s latest career chapter has already generated plenty of excitement, including from NFL legend Chad Johnson.
Chad Johnson Heightens Buzz Around Klay Thompson’s Heat Debut
Miami had Thompson firmly in its sights as it looked to add another elite perimeter shooter alongside its new core of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. After patiently waiting for an opportunity to land the veteran sharpshooter, the Heat finally got their chance and made the move official on Sunday.
Thompson is now set to play for his third NBA franchise. Miami will begin its 2026-27 regular-season schedule at home on Oct. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Shortly after Miami confirmed Thompson’s arrival, Johnson took to X to share his anticipation for the matchup.
“I’ll see y’all opening night against the Wolves,” Johnson wrote.
I’ll see y’all opening night against the Wolves 🏀 https://t.co/UGJu0HEBPG
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 24, 2026
The move became possible after Thompson and the Mavericks reached a contract buyout. The four-time NBA champion joined Dallas in 2024 following an iconic run with the Golden State Warriors, initially expecting to pad his résumé alongside Luka Dončić.
However, that plan changed dramatically when the Mavericks unexpectedly traded Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for an Anthony Davis-headlined package at the 2025 trade deadline. Thompson remained in Dallas afterward as part of a Mavericks team that struggled to live up to expectations.
Now, Thompson has an opportunity to reset his career in Miami. Heat president Pat Riley has already expressed his excitement about adding the veteran sniper, praising what Thompson can bring to the table as a long-range specialist.
“Klay is one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA,” Riley said. “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.”
NBA fans are already familiar with Thompson’s impact and offensive ability, particularly from his unforgettable partnership with Stephen Curry in Golden State. Together, Curry and Thompson became the legendary “Splash Brothers,” establishing themselves as the most prolific shooting backcourt in basketball history.
Following a difficult stretch in Dallas, Thompson will now look to rediscover that form in Miami. The Heat’s roster could provide an ideal environment for that resurgence, especially with Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, now leading the team alongside Adebayo.
Miami also added Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the Antetokounmpo trade and brought in another proven shooter in veteran wing Tim Hardaway Jr.
With so much star power surrounding him, Heat fans will be hoping Thompson can revive some of the magic that made him such a crucial part of Golden State’s championship success.
