The Miami Heat, a team renowned for its ability to discover and develop talent from the G-League, has made an intriguing move this offseason. According to Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel, the team is signing Ethan Thompson, a talented scoring guard, to an Exhibit 10 contract. This deal is more than just a training camp invitation; it signals the Heat’s serious intent to find new pieces to bolster their roster after a disappointing season.
1. Ethan Thompson: A G-League “Assassin” with an Impressive Résumé
The Heat are signing Ethan Thompson, 26, to an Exhibit 10 camp tryout contract. Thompson, a 6-5 guard out of Oregon State, went undrafted in 2021. He has been in the Bulls and Magic organizations, named third-team All-G League a year ago. Heat with 18 of 21 camp slots filled.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) August 14, 2025
Thompson, a 6-5 guard out of Oregon State, went undrafted in 2021 but has since proven his worth in the G-League. During the 2024-25 season, he played for the Osceola Magic and had a breakout year, earning a spot on the Third-Team All-G League.
The Stats Speak for Themselves: Thompson finished the season with averages of 18.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Impressive Three-Point Shooting: Most notably, his three-point shooting percentage was a very respectable 39.1%, a skill set that fits perfectly with the Heat’s offensive philosophy.
These statistics show that Thompson is not just a pure scorer but a player who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
2. A Savvy G-League Trade by the Heat
The Heat’s interest in Thompson was made evident by a complex G-League trade. The Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miami’s G-League affiliate, acquired the returning player rights to Thompson from the Osceola Magic.
Skyforce (Heat) Received: Ethan Thompson’s returning player rights and a 2025 Second-Round Pick (37th overall).
Magic Received: Justin Champagnie’s returning player rights, a 2025 First-Round Pick (16th overall), and a 2026 Second-Round Pick.
This trade demonstrates that the Heat value Thompson’s potential and wanted to ensure they had the rights to develop him if he doesn’t make the final roster. This gives both sides maximum flexibility.
3. A Huge Opportunity for Both Thompson and the Heat
🚨 TRADE ALERT 🚨
We have acquired the returning player rights to Justin Champagnie, a 2025 First Round Pick (No. 16), and a 2026 Second Round Pick (via SXF) from the Sioux Falls Skyforce in exchange for the returning player rights to Ethan Thompson and a 2025 Second Round Pick… pic.twitter.com/YOl97nRhzh
— Osceola Magic (@OsceolaMagic) August 13, 2025
After finishing the 2024-25 season as the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 37-45 record and losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, the Miami Heat are clearly in need of a shake-up. Signing Thompson to an Exhibit 10 deal is a low-risk, high-reward move.
With 18 of their 21 training camp spots filled, Thompson will face fierce competition for a final roster spot. However, given his proven skills and the Heat’s need for consistent shooting, the opportunity for Thompson to make an impact is very real.
The Miami Heat’s signing of Ethan Thompson is not just a roster addition but a testament to their core philosophy: always seek out undervalued talent and give them a chance. For a G-League All-Star like Thompson, this is a golden opportunity to prove he belongs in the NBA. Can Ethan Thompson become the next success story for the Heat and provide a much-needed spark for the upcoming season? Only time will tell.