Why Klay Thompson joining Heat was an 'easy decision'

Merely seconds after the Dallas Mavericks bought out veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson, his new team was already known.

The Miami Heat inked Thompson, one of the greatest shooters ever, to a two-year, $11.5 million deal last week. Thompson, 36, is third among active players in made threes, and fourth all-time. When asked about playing under Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, the “Splash Brother” was quick to show his affinity for the longtime head coach, as well as the organization’s demanding culture that’s been lauded throughout the NBA.

“I know it’s a demanding atmosphere and it’s one that’s really competitive and that’s what attracted me to being here,” he said. “That’s something that I think reflects my mindset to a T. So that was an easy choice for me.”

“I know it's a demanding atmosphere and it's one that's really competitive and that's what attracted me to being here. That's something that I think reflects my mindset to a T. So that was an easy choice for me.”

— Klay Thompson on joining the Miami Heat

(🎥: @MiamiHEAT) pic.twitter.com/DG0FLnbPgy
— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) August 25, 2026

There’s still little doubt about what Thompson brings to the table.

He’s an incredibly gifted shooter and floor spacer, immediately buoying a Heat lineup that lost nearly half of their 3-point shooting this offseason. The 13-year veteran and four-time champion averaged 11.7 points on 38.3 percent shooting from 3-point range. In his four previous seasons after shattering his knee, Thompson buried 39.6 percent of his 9.1 triple tries per game.

Now, he steps in as immediately the Heat’s best shooter — and at a very affordable price tag. Miami still can sign two more players to minimum deals. Plus, Thompson, as well as new Heat guard Tim Hardaway Jr., are veteran leaders who can help pave the way for Pelle Larsson and rookie guard Ryan Conwell.

Thompson’s addition solidifies the Heat’s position as a top-4 team in the East entering the new year. While the New York Knicks are coming off their first NBA Title in 53 years, the conference is still fairly open. And Miami, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo, is squarely in the mix, when healthy, as well as the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers, who are two years removed from winning the East.

“[Giannis Antetokounmpo] has tasted winning, just like I have,” Thompson said. “Just like [Bobby Portis], [Andrew Wiggins], [Bam Adebayo]’s been (to the NBA Finals) twice. And it’s all you really want. It’s the standard. Once you get there, you’ll do anything to go back.

“As athletes we always have a chip on our shoulder and remember what motivates us, what gets us to tick. And I feel like I still have a lot to prove even in year 14. I still feel like I can prove that on a winning team and that’s all you can ask for is the opportunity for myself. And this upcoming season is kind of a redemption season for me to show I can still make a impact on winning and do it consistently.”