Pat Riley believes Klay Thompson’s shooting and championship experience can strengthen the Miami Heat’s reworked roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
“Klay is one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA,” Riley said after Miami completed Thompson’s signing. “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.”
Thompson agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal after becoming available following his departure from the Dallas Mavericks. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, his $5.6 million first-year salary gives Miami enough room beneath its $209 million hard cap to add both a 14th and 15th standard-contract player if the franchise chooses.
Riley emphasized that Thompson brings more than perimeter shooting to a Heat team that has undergone major changes since finishing 43-39 and losing in the play-in tournament last season.
“We all talk about his shooting skill, but there is so much more he brings to the game,” Riley said. “We are blessed that Klay chose the Heat in our quest to challenge for championships.”
Miami’s roster construction makes Thompson’s shooting particularly relevant. The Heat traded Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis as part of the package that brought Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee, while All-Star guard Norman Powell left in free agency after averaging 21.7 points and shooting 38.0% from three in 58 games last season.
Thompson joins a perimeter group that includes Andrew Wiggins, who shot 41.4% from three in 68 games in 2025-26, plus Tim Hardaway Jr. and Simone Fontecchio. His ability to operate without the ball could provide additional spacing around Antetokounmpo’s downhill attack and Adebayo’s interior presence.
The Heat have also preserved flexibility for further additions. Jackson reported that Miami would like to use its 14th roster spot on a power rotation player, with former Chicago Bulls center Nick Richards among the options under consideration.
Miami may leave the 15th standard roster spot open initially to evaluate the buyout market. Tre White, J’Vonne Hadley, Ezra Ausar and Ian Schieffelin are expected to compete in training camp, while Keshad Johnson and two-way players Tre Donaldson and Vladislav Goldin remain internal options.
Thompson will wear No. 11 for the Heat. Miami opens training camp on Sept. 29 before beginning the 2026-27 regular season at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 21 in a game scheduled to air on ESPN.
With Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, Portis, Wiggins and Thompson now forming the core of Miami’s veteran group, Riley’s comments made clear that the Heat view the four-time NBA champion as another piece in their attempt to contend immediately.
