# Klay Thompson signs two-year deal with Miami Heat > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/klay-thompson-trade-talks > Updated: 2026-09-02T07:59:25.000Z. Sources: 132. Developments: 20. Following a period of negotiation and roster management uncertainty, Klay Thompson has officially signed a two-year contract with the Miami Heat, valued between $11.5 million and $13 million. Thompson, 36, arrived in Miami via a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks after reportedly sacrificing approximately $9 million to $10 million of his previous salary to join a contender. He chose the Heat over interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, motivated by the opportunity to play for Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. During his introductory press conference, Thompson expressed a desire for a ‘redemption season’ and noted the appeal of the ‘Heat Culture,’ which he described as demanding and fitness-focused. He has also expressed interest in breaking the franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single season, currently held by Duncan Robinson with 270. While Thompson provides perimeter shooting for a roster that also includes Andrew Wiggins, analysts have raised questions regarding roster fit, specifically how Antetokounmpo and Adebayo will share space in the paint. Former teammate Draymond Green has cautioned against setting unrealistic expectations, arguing that framing Thompson as the elite player he was in 2017 sets him up for failure. Green suggested his role should instead be compared to Ray Allen’s later years in Miami, noting that Thompson is entering his 16th season and has faced significant injuries. To further bolster the roster, the Heat also signed 28-year-old center Nick Richards to a one-year, $3 million contract to provide physical play and energy. ## Claims - The Miami Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade involving multiple draft picks and players. (disputed) - The Heat traded Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis to the Bucks as part of the Antetokounmpo deal. (disputed) - No buyout negotiations have occurred between the Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Miami Heat are considered the primary suitor for Thompson if a buyout occurs. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Miami Heat intend to use their mid-level exception to sign Thompson for a specialized perimeter role. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Draymond Green cautioned against comparing Thompson to his 2017 championship-era self. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Klay Thompson is entering the 16th season of his NBA career. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Miami Heat are interested in signing Klay Thompson as a free agent rather than trading for him. (single source) - The Dallas Mavericks prefer to trade Klay Thompson rather than allowing a buyout. (single source) - An Eastern Conference scout advised the Heat against signing Klay Thompson, stating the team needs ball-handlers over shooting. (single source) - Free agent center Nick Richards has been seen working out at the Miami Heat facility. (single source) - Miami could potentially use $8 million of its mid-level exception to supplement a buyout agreement. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Miami Heat bolster roster with Klay Thompson and Nick Richards The Miami Heat have strengthened their roster by signing Klay Thompson, who aims to break the team's single-season three-point record, and Nick Richards, who joins on a one-year contract. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-heat-bolster-roster-with-klay-thompson-and-nick-richards ### 2026-08-27: Klay Thompson joins Miami Heat to pursue NBA title Klay Thompson has signed with the Miami Heat to chase a championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite warnings from Draymond Green about unrealistic media expectations. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-joins-miami-heat-amid-roster-expansion-rumors ### 2026-08-25: Klay Thompson joins Miami Heat on two-year deal Klay Thompson has signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal with the Miami Heat, prioritizing a championship run over higher earnings to join stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-joins-miami-heat-on-two-year-contract ### 2026-08-22: Klay Thompson signs two-year deal with Miami Heat Klay Thompson has signed a two-year deal with the Miami Heat after a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, joining stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo to pursue a championship. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-joins-miami-heat-following-dallas-mavericks-buyout ### 2026-08-22: Klay Thompson chose Mavericks over Lakers due to Anthony Davis concerns Klay Thompson reportedly chose the Dallas Mavericks over the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024 due to concerns regarding Anthony Davis’ injury history and availability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-chose-mavericks-over-lakers-due-to-anthony-davis-concerns ### 2026-08-20: Klay Thompson agrees to buyout with Mavericks, expected to join Miami Heat Klay Thompson has agreed to a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks and is expected to sign with the Miami Heat to join stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. 60 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompsons-future-uncertain-amid-mavericks-trade-and-buyout-rumors ### 2026-08-18: Miami Heat pursue roster additions amid Klay Thompson rumors The Miami Heat are exploring roster additions, including potential interest in Klay Thompson and center Nick Richards, following a major trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-heat-pursue-roster-additions-amid-klay-thompson-rumors ### 2026-08-16: Miami Heat pursue Klay Thompson amid Dallas Mavericks trade preference The Miami Heat are pursuing Klay Thompson as a free agent, but the Dallas Mavericks prefer to trade the veteran guard rather than buy out his contract to resolve roster limit issues. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-trade-talks-stall-between-miami-heat-and-dallas-mavericks ### 2026-08-14: Klay Thompson's NBA future uncertain amid trade rumors NBA veteran Klay Thompson seeks a championship contender, leaving his future with the Dallas Mavericks uncertain amid trade interest from the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-trade-rumors-swirl-as-mavericks-weigh-options ### 2026-08-09: Klay Thompson and Mavericks not discussing contract buyout The Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson are not discussing a contract buyout, as the team continues to explore trade possibilities for the veteran guard. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-and-mavericks-not-discussing-contract-buyout ### 2026-08-08: Miami Heat linked to Klay Thompson amid roster adjustments Speculation grows around Klay Thompson joining the Miami Heat to provide shooting, while the team is expected to let a $5.5 million trade exception expire due to hard-cap constraints. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-heat-linked-to-klay-thompson-amid-roster-adjustments ### 2026-08-07: Klay Thompson trade talks focus on Los Angeles Lakers Klay Thompson, on a one‑year deal with the Mavericks, is linked to a trade or buyout that could send him to the Los Angeles Lakers, who need wing shooting; his father Mychal backs the move. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-trade-talks-focus-on-los-angeles-lakers ### 2026-08-04: Klay Thompson linked to Lakers, Heat as Mavericks consider trade or buyout Dallas is exploring trade or buyout options for Klay Thompson, with the Lakers and Heat as top targets; Thompson welcomed a return to LA amid Kevin Durant’s MVP‑candidate jab. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-fires-back-at-kevin-durants-mvp-comment ### 2026-07-30: Miami Heat target Klay Thompson buyout, keep Zach LaVine as fallback The Miami Heat are waiting for a Klay Thompson buyout from Dallas, while also considering Zach LaVine as a possible buyout target. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-heat-target-klay-thompson-buyout-keep-zach-lavine-as-fallback ### 2026-07-27: Klay Thompson trade talks between Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat Mavericks prefer trading Klay Thompson to the Heat, targeting Nikola Jovic in a salary‑matched swap amid cap constraints, with a buyout seen as unlikely. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-trade-talks-between-dallas-mavericks-and-miami-heat ### 2026-07-21: Dallas Mavericks consider moving Klay Thompson as they rebuild around rookie Cooper Flagg The Mavericks may trade or buy out Klay Thompson as they focus on rookie Cooper Flagg, while the Miami Heat are interested if a buyout makes Thompson a free agent. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dallas-mavericks-consider-moving-klay-thompson-as-they-rebuild-around-rookie-cooper-flagg ### 2026-07-19: Klay Thompson Nears Possible Return to Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson says 'never say never' about returning to Golden State as a buyout from Dallas looks likely and Warriors manage cap space to bring him back. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompson-nears-possible-return-to-golden-state-warriors ### 2026-07-17: Miami Heat eyes Klay Thompson but waits for buyout Miami Heat want Klay Thompson only if Dallas reaches a buyout; no talks yet and Thompson remains under contract for the 2024‑25 season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-heat-eyes-klay-thompson-but-waits-for-buyout ### 2026-07-15: Klay Thompson's Potential Move to Miami Heat Faces Contract Hurdles Klay Thompson may join the Miami Heat, but his $17.4 M salary makes a trade tough; a buyout and the Heat's mid‑level exception are seen as the likely route. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompsons-potential-move-to-miami-heat-faces-contract-hurdles ### 2026-07-11: Klay Thompson's Future Uncertain as Mavericks Pursue Trade Options Dallas prefers to trade Klay Thompson, with Miami Heat among interested teams; Thompson enters the final year of a $17.5 M contract and will be a free agent next season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klay-thompsons-future-uncertain-as-mavericks-pursue-trade-options --- Cite as: Klay Thompson signs two-year deal with Miami Heat. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/klay-thompson-trade-talks