MIAMI -- Klay Thompson has signed his deal with the Miami Heat, who waited patiently for weeks to see if they would get the chance to add the sharpshooter to their reworked roster.
Thompson -- who is No. 4 on the NBA's all-time 3-pointers made list -- cleared waivers Sunday afternoon and wasted little time finalizing a two-year deal with Miami. The contract, first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on Friday, is for $13 million and includes a player option in the second season, sources said.
The deal makes sense in many ways for both sides. Thompson makes no secret about how much he loves the water and boating; the Heat play their home games at the edge of Biscayne Bay. He's of Bahamian heritage; the island nation is a short flight from Miami and is home to a sizable base of Heat fans. And, perhaps most importantly, the Heat knew they wanted to add shooting to surround the newly acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and incumbent center Bam Adebayo.
"Klay is one of the most iconic players to ever suit up in the NBA," Heat President Pat Riley said. "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. 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."