Patrick Beverley believes the Miami Heat may have found exactly the kind of veteran they needed in Klay Thompson.
After Thompson agreed to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks and emerged as Miami’s expected destination, Beverley praised the fit and argued that the former Splash Brother can materially change the Heat’s offensive profile. Thompson, 36, is expected to join Miami after clearing waivers following his departure from Dallas.
“Miami done found some shooting. They got one of the splash brothers coming down there. He gonna be real good down there. He likes to drive boats and sh*t. Shout out to Klay Thompson man. Miami, very different team. I seen Klay this summer he been cooking, been shooting it well. I like this move!”
Patrick Beverly believes Klay Thompson makes the Heat a different team:
“Miami done found some shooting. They got one of the splash brothers coming down there. He gonna be real good down there. He likes to drive boats and sh*t. Shout out to Klay Thompson man. Miami, very… pic.twitter.com/FVFs05eFlB
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) August 21, 2026
Beverley’s enthusiasm centers on the most obvious part of Thompson’s game: shooting. Even at this stage of his career, Thompson remains a respected high-volume floor spacer. He shot 38.3 percent from three-point range last season in Dallas and enters the next chapter of his career ranked fourth in NBA history in made three-pointers.
That skill should have considerable value on a Miami roster built around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. The Heat acquired Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee earlier this summer, creating a powerful frontcourt but also increasing the importance of surrounding him with players capable of stretching defenses away from the paint.
Thompson does not need the ball for long stretches to influence a defense. His reputation alone forces defenders to stay attached away from the play, while his ability to relocate, shoot off movement and punish late rotations can create additional driving space for Miami’s primary creators.
The Heat had identified perimeter shooting as an offseason priority and had been linked to Thompson for weeks before his buyout materialized. Miami’s interest was strong enough that he became one of its preferred options once it became clear his time with the Mavericks could be nearing an end.
There will still be questions about exactly how much Thompson can provide at 36. He is no longer the two-way star who helped Golden State win four championships, and his defensive mobility has declined from his prime. But Miami does not need that version of Thompson to make the move worthwhile. It needs shooting, experience and a player opponents are still reluctant to leave alone.
Beverley believes Thompson gives the Heat all three… and in an offense now featuring Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, that may be enough to make Miami look considerably different when the new season begins.
