Pat Riley believes Klay Thompson’s capturing and championship expertise can strengthen the Miami Warmth’s reworked roster round Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
“Klay is among the most iconic gamers to ever go well with up within the NBA,” Riley mentioned after Miami accomplished Thompson’s signing. “A four-time battle examined world champion who will match completely into his position as an all-around participant at each ends of the court docket.”
Thompson agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal after turning into accessible following his departure from the Dallas Mavericks. In line with Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, his $5.6 million first-year wage provides Miami sufficient room beneath its $209 million arduous cap so as to add each a 14th and fifteenth standard-contract participant if the franchise chooses.
Riley emphasised that Thompson brings greater than perimeter capturing to a Warmth staff that has undergone main adjustments since ending 43-39 and dropping within the play-in match final season.
“All of us speak about his capturing talent, however there may be a lot extra he brings to the sport,” Riley mentioned. “We’re blessed that Klay selected the Warmth in our quest to problem for championships.”
Miami’s roster building makes Thompson’s capturing notably related. The Warmth traded Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis as a part of the bundle that brought Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee, whereas All-Star guard Norman Powell left in free agency after averaging 21.7 factors and capturing 38.0% from three in 58 video games final season.
Thompson joins a fringe group that features Andrew Wiggins, who shot 41.4% from three in 68 video games in 2025-26, plus Tim Hardaway Jr. and Simone Fontecchio. His means to function with out the ball may present further spacing round Antetokounmpo’s downhill assault and Adebayo’s inside presence.
The Warmth have additionally preserved flexibility for additional additions. Jackson reported that Miami want to use its 14th roster spot on an influence rotation participant, with former Chicago Bulls heart Nick Richards among the options under consideration.
Miami could depart the fifteenth commonplace roster spot open initially to guage the buyout market. Tre White, J’Vonne Hadley, Ezra Ausar and Ian Schieffelin are anticipated to compete in coaching camp, whereas Keshad Johnson and two-way gamers Tre Donaldson and Vladislav Goldin stay inner choices.
Thompson will put on No. 11 for the Warmth. Miami opens coaching camp on Sept. 29 earlier than starting the 2026-27 common season at residence towards the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 21 in a recreation scheduled to air on ESPN.
With Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, Portis, Wiggins and Thompson now forming the core of Miami’s veteran group, Riley’s feedback made clear that the Warmth view the four-time NBA champion as one other piece of their try to contend instantly.
