Heat news: Klay Thompson shares interesting story behind jersey No. 11

Klay Thompson is back wearing No. 11 for the Miami Heat and explained why it became his preferred jersey number. Thompson’s move to Miami follows the buyout of the final year of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Both sides linked up with matching needs: Thompson wanted a contender, while the Heat sought more floor spacing after trading away several rotation players in a major deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Thompson previously wore No. 31 in Dallas because No. 11 was Kyrie Irving’s. He said he grew up on 11 Paverstone Lane in Ladera Ranch and was the 11th pick in 2011. At 36, he’s bringing that familiar number and shooting pedigree after 12 seasons with Golden State.