The Miami Heat are on the verge of pulling off yet another blockbuster move this offseason, and their newly crowned franchise cornerstone isn’t shy about his excitement. Giannis Antetokounmpo all but confirmed South Beach’s latest addition himself, reacting publicly to reports that four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson is set to join the Heat on a two-year, $13 million deal once he clears waivers.
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ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news that Thompson has agreed to a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, with Miami already firmly set as his next destination.
“BREAKING: Klay Thompson is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after he clears waivers upon a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported.
Antetokounmpo saw Charania’s post on Instagram and made his feelings crystal clear. The 2x MVP double-tapped that post for everyone to see that “like,” a clear public endorsement of the front office’s latest move.
Thompson negotiated his exit from a $17.5 million expiring salary in Dallas specifically to pursue another ring, making Miami his top destination after the Heat prioritized him as their top free-agent target.
By pairing Thompson’s all-time perimeter threat with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo inside, Miami has assembled one of the most formidable cores in the Eastern Conference.
Thompson’s arrival satisfies Miami’s primary perimeter need after trading away Tyler Herro to Milwaukee in the Giannis trade. Despite averaging a career-low 11.7 points while shooting 38.3% from deep last season, he meets Antetokounmpo and Adebayo’s need for an elite shooter on the floor.
However, Miami’s front office isn’t done fine-tuning the roster.
Apart from the overt acquisitions of Giannis earlier this summer and this almost-done-but-not-quite signing of Klay Thompson, Pat Riley’s team also had some secret squirrel free agency move going on under fans’ noses.
Earlier this week, Davion Mitchell posted an unofficial practice session with Heat teammates, including Bam Adebayo and Bobby Portis, who came in the Giannis trade too.
Heat fans were shocked to see Nick Richards in the practice after the free agent was linked to the Knicks the entire offseason.
While fans are waiting for an official Charania update on that, Richards himself dropped a big clue. Along with Antetokounmpo, Richards also liked the Klay Thompson news. He’s not overjoyed by Klay’s stalemate ending. He’s potentially going to be Thompson and Giannis’ teammate.
Richards spent last season splitting time between the Phoenix Suns and the Chicago Bulls, producing an impactful 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game during his stint with the Bulls.
Adding Richards alongside Antetokounmpo and Adebayo would provide head coach Erik Spoelstra with a traditional rim-protector and rebounder.
Moreover, reports from Five on the Floor indicate that Richards “absolutely wants to be here,” though he continues to weigh contract offers from competing suitors.
Whether Miami signs Richards on a training camp invite or a standard veteran minimum deal, Antetokounmpo’s social media activity signals total alignment between the locker room and management.
With Thompson aboard and frontcourt reinforcements on the horizon, the Heat are positioning themselves as clear championship contenders heading into training camp.