Klay Thompson signs with Miami Heat

Klay Thompson has signed a one-year, $5.6 million contract with the Miami Heat after becoming a free agent following his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson cited the organization’s ‘Heat Culture’—specifically its high standards, physical discipline, and competitive identity—as the primary reason for choosing Miami over interest from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Former teammate Draymond Green addressed recent backlash regarding his comparison of Thompson’s move to Miami to Ray Allen’s career path. Green clarified that his intention was not to suggest Thompson is past his prime, but to manage expectations by noting that the Heat are acquiring a veteran sharpshooter rather than the version of Thompson seen in 2017. Green emphasized that the comparison was meant as a compliment to the value a veteran can provide in a specific role.