Klay Thompson Addresses One of the Heat’s Glaring Weaknesses. The Other Sticks Out Even More.

Klay Thompson’s time in Dallas officially came to a close on Friday as he reached a buyout on the one year and $17.5 million left on his contract with the Mavericks. Once Thompson clears waivers, he is expected to link up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in Miami, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

It was clear Thompson’s days in Dallas were numbered as the franchise continues to build around Cooper Flagg with a new regime in place. Thompson joined a Mavs team fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals two years ago. At the time, he was added to help Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving chase a title. Of course, everything changed since then.

Now, at 36 years old, one of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen will join the Heat and add depth to a roster that sorely needed it after the franchise parted ways with many of its assets to acquire Antetokounmpo. Tyler Herro was shipped to Milwaukee in the blockbuster trade and Norm Powell signed with the Bulls in free agency, which left Miami in need of shooters alongside its new superstar duo.

Tim Hardaway Jr. arrived in free agency, Simone Fontecchio was re-signed and Louisville sharpshooter Ryan Conwell was taken by the Heat in the second round. Andrew Wiggins signed a two-year, $33.8 million extension to stay with Miami after a career season from three-point range, but that wasn’t enough. After sending out Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee plus losing Powell, the new-look Heat lacked sufficient shooting.

Mainly next to Hardaway, Wiggins and Bobby Portis, Thompson fills the void. He shot 38.3% from three on high volume last season with the Mavs and immediately brings a perimeter threat that spaces the floor. With so much given up to grab Giannis, though, additional shooting wasn’t all the Heat needed.

The Heat’s lack of playmaking and ballhandlers is now the biggest question

Klay Thompson is expected to join the Heat after he clears waivers | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami’s lack of depth after the big trade included a clear need for additional playmaking. That remains true to this day and isn’t addressed with the addition of Thompson. Although Antetokounmpo will handle the ball and is a solid playmaker, there’s still a need for a true point guard—whether that’s a player who comes off the bench or is in the first five.

Davion Mitchell will start in the backcourt (although Giannis will assume a considerable amount of the ballhandling duties). Mitchell improved as a facilitator over the last couple of seasons; however, he stands out more as a defender and a solid three-point shooter on decent volume.

Adebayo can make some plays himself, too, but the roster would benefit from a lead guard who can keep the offense in motion. Russell Westbrook made sense, but he recently decided to call it quits and retire after 18 NBA seasons. The options are limited at this point in the offseason. Sacramento is looking for a veteran guard and has reportedly worked out players like Victor Oladipo, Cam Payne and Elfrid Payton, according to The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer. I’m not sure if Miami would go that far to address its need. The franchise could wait to see if Mitchell and Antetokounmpo on the ball are enough. If not, there’s always the trade deadline and the buyout market.

In a highly improved Eastern Conference, the Heat will get that answer quickly. With Thompson, the Heat have two open roster spots and are $10.4 million under the first apron before we know what Thompson’s contract will look like. Presumedly, there will be some wiggle room to make another addition.

If this is the roster that Miami will take into its first season with Giannis, though, the lack of on-ball creators sticks out.

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