Klay Thompson reveals real reason for $9.8 million sacrifice to join Miami Heat

New Miami Heat swingman Klay Thompson explained why he was willing to give up almost $10 million to ensure he could switch teams this offseason.

Thompson spent most of the offseason as a member of the Dallas Mavericks and was owed $17.4 million over the 2026-27 season, the final one under contract for Thompson.

After no favorable trades emerged for Klay, the Mavericks and the 36-year-old negotiated a contract buyout, one where Thompson gave up $9.8 million to become a free agent and sign with the Heat.

Thompson spoke to the media at his introduction as a new member of the Miami Heat, revealing that the opportunity to compete for a title was more important than maximising his NBA earnings.

“Just the opportunity to play high-level basketball and a chance to make a deep postseason run. Those things were so attractive to me. Obviously you want to maximize your earnings as an athlete, but I’ve tasted winning before, and there’s nothing like it”

The Mavericks are an intriguing young team led by Cooper Flagg, but they have a lot more steps to become contenders again. Thompson signed with them in 2024 because they were fresh off a Finals run with Luka Doncic leading the franchise.

That reality changed quickly, and now Klay is hoping to play postseason basketball on a team with title hopes again after missing the playoffs for the last two seasons.

Thompson averaged 11.7 points on 38.3% from three with the Mavericks last season.

The days when he was an All-Defense caliber two-way player are long gone, but Klay is still one of the best shooters in the NBA.

The Heat are led by two frontcourt players in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, so Klay plays an important role as an elite shooter who is bound to get open opportunities playing off the two big men.

Thompson will have to compete with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Pelle Larsson for the starting shooting guard spot on the Heat, with Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins likely locked into the starting five.

Hardaway Jr. has proven he can be a bench scoring specialist, so he’s likely not going to start. Larsson has defensive upside and scoring ability but likely won’t match Klay’s offensive consistency and off-ball play.

His role will be interesting to see shape up over the season, as the Heat hope to be contenders.

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