BREAKING NEWS: Heat Now Top Suitors for $189 Million 4-Time Champion
The Miami Heat have a history of attracting top-tier free agents, as evidenced by signings such as LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Jimmy Butler, and Kyle Lowry. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Heat have their sights set on their next big target: Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on February 16, Charania mentioned the Heat as one of the teams likely to pursue Thompson when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. He suggested that teams from both Florida and California, as well as a few East Coast teams, could express interest in Thompson’s services.
Despite Thompson’s significant contributions to the Warriors’ success, Charania noted that his long-term future with the team remains uncertain. With Thompson set to explore his options in free agency, the Warriors seem prepared for the possibility of his departure.
"I think the lack of an extension for Klay Thompson has been an issue and his free agency is looming..
He was amazing last night and he's shown that he can still help a team" @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/VQL08SyDEW
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 16, 2024
Throughout his tenure with the Warriors, Thompson has amassed an impressive resume, winning four NBA titles and earning five consecutive All-Star selections from 2015 to 2019. Moreover, Thompson’s return to the court after overcoming serious injuries, including an ACL and Achilles tear, adds to his compelling narrative. Currently in the final year of his five-year, $189 million contract with the Warriors, Thompson’s potential free agency presents an intriguing storyline for NBA fans and teams alike.
Delon Wright Expresses Excitement for Joining Heat
The Miami Heat have established themselves as an attractive destination for free agents, whether it’s during the offseason or in the middle of the season. According to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on February 16, Delon Wright is set to join the Heat after being bought out by the Wizards. Delon expressed his excitement about this move on his social media account, following celebrations from his brother, Dorell Wright, who is a former Heat player.
Washington Wizards guard Delon Wright has agreed on a contract buyout, clearing the way for him to sign with the Miami Heat upon clearing waivers, his agent Greg Lawrence tells ESPN. Another dependable veteran for the Heat’s rotation. pic.twitter.com/rLqQRgPiFM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 16, 2024
The Heat have a track record of acquiring impactful players during the season, such as Joe Johnson and Chris Andersen, who have contributed significantly to the team’s success. This pattern could influence players like Klay Thompson as he considers his options in free agency. It demonstrates the Heat’s ability to attract talent regardless of the time of year.
LFG!! https://t.co/oLzMUS27le
— Delon Wright (@delonwright) February 16, 2024
Heat Have Added Players Like Klay Thompson Before
The Miami Heat have a history of recruiting players with skill sets similar to Klay Thompson’s. Back in 2012, they successfully persuaded Ray Allen to join their ranks, despite years of facing off against him during his tenure with the Celtics.
Similar to Allen, Thompson is renowned for his sharpshooting abilities and boasts an NBA championship on his résumé. Notably, if Thompson were to join the Heat, he would do so at a younger age than Allen did, with Thompson being 34 compared to Allen’s 37 when he made the move.
Furthermore, Allen made a financial sacrifice by accepting a pay cut to join the Heat. While there haven’t been any reports indicating Thompson would follow suit regardless of his offseason destination, it’s worth noting that he, like Allen, finds himself in the latter stages of his NBA career.