The Miami Heat have already undergone one of the largest NBA improvements this offseason after winning the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes. However, the Eastern Conference franchise is at it again with another former league champion, Klay Thompson.
The former Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks star is embarking on a new chapter for the 2026-27 season with Miami. In many ways it’s a perfect situation for a veteran player joining a team with a lot of young talent.
ESPN’s Sham Charania broke the news Friday as Thompson clears waivers following his time in Dallas. The franchise opted for a contract buyout for the league veteran after spending two seasons with the Mavs.
Meanwhile, Thompson won’t be expected to be the main scorer given Giannis’ presence as well as other players like Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell.
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Here’s a look at what Miami could put out on the court every night for the upcoming 2026 NBA season.
Projected Heat lineup with Klay ThompsonMiami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks to reporters during his introductory press conference at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Miami certainly jumped a few spots in the East’s pecking order once they brought in Giannis this offseason. However, Thompson’s ability to shoot the three ball cannot be underestimated in a competitive conference.
The Heat boast a talented lineup now with two elite bigs, as well as a versatile back court. Thompson provides Miami with a solid role player off the bench to give a break to players like Powell and WIggins.
Center: Bam Adebayo
Powerforward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Small forward: Andrew Wiggins
Shooting guard: Norman Powell
Point guard: Davion Mitchell
Sixth man: Klay Thompson
How will Thompson fit with Miami?Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The beauty of this signing for Pat Riley and Co. is that Thompson plays his role effectively and is always a team player first. He sat back and played second fiddle, and at times third, during the Golden State hay day alongside Steph Curry and Kevin Durant.
His new situation in Miami won’t be much different. In fact, given his age the expectations are much lower for the former NBA champion as he enters this next chapter.
However, Thompson’s shooting prowess gives the Heat an elite scorer from deep. That’s a valued trait in any NBA scorer, especially once the postseason rolls around.
Can the Heat win a title this season?The short is answer is absolutely yes. Miami’s got a pedigree as a franchise of winning and Spolestra is one of the elite coaches in the league.
The biggest challenge for the Heat is the fact that the New York Knicks proved last season that they are a juggernaut and extremely tough to beat with their combination of offense and defense. Meanwhile, LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers exist in a new era with Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey.
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