Klay Thompson is set to become a member of the Heat after signing a two-year deal following his buyout from the Mavericks, and it turns out that his signing could have other impacts on the team’s ability to rebuild its roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Thompson’s contract will start at $5.6MM next season, with the second year being a player option for $5.88MM in 2027/28.
The four-time champion taking a deal at that number will allow the Heat to sign two veteran minimum contracts with their 14th and 15th roster spots while remaining below their first apron hard cap, which they hit as a result of the Antetokounmpo trade, Ira Winderman writes for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Any higher starting salary would have only allowed the team to sign one more veteran contract ahead of the season opener.
Veteran reserve center Nick Richards remains a strong candidate for the 14th spot, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson (via Twitter), and Winderman adds that a potential Richards deal wouldn’t necessarily be fully guaranteed (Twitter link). Jackson also notes that the team will likely leave the 15th roster spot open for now as they decide what the team needs most moving forward, with Winderman predicting a training camp battle for the 15th spot.
“Klay is one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA. 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,” said team president Pat Rileyper Winderman (Twitter link). “We all talk about his shooting skill, but there is so much more he brings to the game. We are blessed that Klay chose the Heat in our quest to challenge for championships.”