The Miami Heat have signed Klay Thompson to a two-year, $13 million contract after his buyout from the Dallas Mavericks. The deal will finalize when Thompson clears waivers on Sunday. This move fills one of three available roster spots for Miami, adding a prolific shooter to their lineup. The Heat now face a financial scenario, managing salaries around their mid-level exception and remaining under salary caps.

By the Numbers
  • Klay Thompson's contract is for $13 million over two years.
  • The Heat are $4.3 million below the first apron and $16.9 million below the second apron.
Yes, But

While the addition of Thompson strengthens the Heat's roster, questions remain about their ability to fill the final roster spot effectively while managing their salary cap constraints, particularly given the loss of trade exceptions.

State of Play
  • Miami currently has $2.2 million in non-guaranteed salary on Gardner.
  • Three additional players, including Thompson, have been brought in as 3-point shooting specialists.
What's Next

The Heat will look to finalize their roster by filling the last spot with a veteran minimum, allowing them to remain under salary caps. They'll need to assess other player acquisitions that complement their newly acquired talent.

Bottom Line

The Miami Heat's strategic signing of Klay Thompson highlights their commitment to building a competitive team in the Eastern Conference, but careful financial management will be crucial for successfully rounding out the roster.