NBA: Thompson heads to Heat, DeRozan joins Denver
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Two of the biggest NBA free agents finally found new homes ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 regular season.
On Aug. 21, 2026, Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan headlined another wave of NBA moves, with the 3-point specialist set to join the Miami Heat and the midrange maestro heading to the Denver Nuggets.
According to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania, Thompson will sign a two-year contract worth USD 13 million with the Heat, while DeRozan intends to sign a one-year deal worth USD 3.9 million with the Nuggets.
Thompson’s move from the Western Conference to the East became possible after he agreed to a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
On Aug. 4, 2026, Thompson’s departure was already anticipated after Dallas explored its trade options, with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Heat emerging as his leading suitors.
After an organizational restructuring that saw the Mavericks hire Masai Ujiri as team president and NCAA championship-winning coach Dusty May as head coach, Dallas made it known that it was heading in a different direction in terms of playing style.
May’s revamped system left little room for Thompson, especially after Dallas added two-way forwards Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberovic.
Thompson’s addition to the Heat would address Miami’s need for floor spacing following the arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who joined a talented frontcourt led by Bam Adebayo.
The four-time NBA champion remains one of the league’s most reliable shooters, averaging 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last regular season.
Meanwhile, DeRozan’s free agency ended with a move to another Western Conference team.
After spending the past two seasons in Sacramento, DeRozan can improve his chances of returning to the playoffs alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Before choosing Denver, DeRozan also drew interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards and the Heat, as each franchise needed another offensive option.
However, DeRozan chose the Nuggets and is expected to bolster the team’s scoring depth following the departures of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Peyton Watson.
During his final season in Sacramento, DeRozan still posted strong numbers, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game.
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