Shams: Heat, Larsson agree to 4-year extension

Shortly after NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Thompson had reached a buyout agreement with Dallas, Shams dropped the news that Thompson was headed to South Beach. Thompson’s final season in Dallas was forgettable, but he’s still an elite shooter, which is exactly what the Heat need to build this team around Giannis Antetokounmpo. There is a chance that Thompson starts alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis and Bam Adebayo, though he should play a significant role regardless. Pelle Larsson may take on a smaller role than anticipated with Thompson in town.

Larsson improved during his second NBA season, averaging 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 0.9 three-pointers in 26.4 minutes per game. There were moments when he possessed streaming value, but the role was not robust enough to make him a must-roster in most fantasy leagues. Even if he continues to come off the bench, Larsson may take on a larger role in 2026-27 in the aftermath of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Among the players Miami parted with in the deal was Jaime Jaquez Jr., runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year.

Antetokounmpo is heading south with Bobby Portis, with Milwaukee receiving Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three future first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and one second-round pick. The Heat were the most persistent team in their pursuit of Antetokounmpo, and a deal was finalized the night before the 2026 NBA Draft. While he is one of the most dominant players in the league, Giannis’s health has been an issue recently. Multiple calf injuries limited him to 36 games last season, and the Greek Freak has exceeded 70 regular-season games once since 2018-19. When available, he can offer first-round value, especially to fantasy managers punting free-throw percentage, but the Heat will have some spacing issues to address between Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

With the 2025-26 season in the rear-view mirror, Antetokounmpo’s future is the focus of most of the NBA. Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam said during the introductory press conference for head coach Taylor Jenkins that he expected a resolution of some kind before the June 23 NBA Draft. While Antetokounmpo can’t sign an extension with the Bucks until October 1, a verbal commitment would put the trade discussions to rest. However, Windhorst reported on Monday that the Bucks’ forward is “focused” on a move to Miami, which has previously expressed interest in acquiring him. “He has focused on wanting to be a member of the Miami Heat. And because he only has one year on his contract, he has some control over that,” Windhorst said. “But the Heat and the Bucks have been talking for months and not agreed to a deal, because the Bucks don’t love the Heat’s offer. There are third teams involved. There are fourth teams involved.” Boston has also been rumored as a possible destination for Antetokounmpo, but not to the same extent as Miami.

Bucks decision-makers went on the record earlier this spring, saying that either Antetokounmpo will agree to a contract extension or the franchise will look to move him. He can’t officially sign a new deal until October 1, but the franchise can ill afford to wait that long for a solution. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said during the introductory press conference for new head coach Taylor Jenkins that the expectation is a solution regarding Giannis’ future will be reached before the June 23-24 NBA Draft. Given the skill set, there should be a robust market for Antetokounmpo, even with lower-body injuries limiting him to a career-low 36 games in 2025-26.

Larsson is good to go after being listed as questionable on the injury report initially released by the Heat on Monday evening. He’ll figure prominently in the Heat wing rotation, whether he starts or comes off the bench. In four games against the Hornets during the regular season, Larsson averaged 15.3 points on 55.6 percent shooting from the field.

Larsson is listed as questionable with a right lower leg contusion. Nikola Jovic (ankle) and Dru Smith (foot) are out, but otherwise the Heat have a healthy roster heading into the Play-In Tournament.

Added to the injury report earlier Sunday, Larsson is now out for the Heat’s regular-season finale. Norman Powell is still questionable with a sore right groin. If he can play, he’ll absorb most of the minutes that would have gone to Larsson. If not, then Keshad Johnson should take on a more prominent role within the rotation.

Absent from the initial injury report released by the Heat, Larsson is dealing with a lower right leg contusion. If he’s unable to play, Keshad Johnson and Myron Gardner could see their minutes increase. Johnson, who played legitimate rotation minutes in Friday’s win over the Wizards, is the superior option for managers in active fantasy leagues.

To no one’s surprise, Antetokounmpo will not play in Sunday’s season finale. Turner is also out, which means more playing time and a likely start for Jericho Sims. Pete Nance is questionable, and his minutes are likely to increase if he can play.