New-Look Miami Heat After Adding Klay Thompson: Potential Starting Lineup, Updated Depth Chart

In a significant move ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, Miami Heat guard Klay Thompson is set to join the team after successfully waiving out of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson, a four-time NBA champion, is expected to sign a contract buyout to join a squad aiming for a potential championship run. Thompson finished the 2025-26 season with averages of 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the three-point line.

Despite his numbers indicating he may not be the same player who won four championships with the Warriors, his return could transform the Heat into more formidable contenders.

The projected starting lineup for the Miami Heat now includes Davion Mitchell at point guard, Klay Thompson at shooting guard, Andrew Wiggins at small forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo at power forward, and Bam Adebayo at center. This lineup alone would create significant challenges for any team in the league if they were to play 40 minutes each in the playoffs. However, team rotations and player matchups play a crucial role in a roster's ability to contend for championships.

The updated depth chart reveals a roster filled with multiple swingmen, including Tre Donaldson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dru Smith, Ryan Conwell, and Pelle Larsson as potential options for the last two roster spots. Thompson, who has demonstrated the ability to play as a swingman, could further bolster the Heat's flexibility in the playoffs.

With $16.94 million in salary cap space remaining before reaching the second apron threshold, the Heat can potentially fill at least one more roster spot without breaching the first apron limit.

However, the team still needs to address the bench depth, particularly in playmaking guards for the second unit. Tre Donaldson, a rookie, does not provide the conventional secondary point guard needed for the second unit. Dru Smith and Ryan Conwell, while capable of stepping in as versatile players, are not true playmakers essential for a successful second unit.

Therefore, while the new Miami Heat roster appears challenging to face in the playoffs, they must enhance their bench depth to contend effectively for a championship after the 2026-27 regular season.