The Miami Heat welcomed Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s newest teammate, Klay Thompson, on Tuesday. Thompson signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract to join the Heat ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. His addition gives Miami a better shot at contending for a championship.
On Tuesday, he was officially introduced to the media, and he spoke about how being in Miami was a dream come true. Before Thompson joined the Heat, he was already linked as a potential buyout candidate. The team viewed him as a key acquisition because of his elite outside shooting, which they needed after landing Antetokounmpo.
During his introductory presser, Thompson was asked about his thoughts on being Antetokounmpo’s teammate.
Jul 16, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (7) is introduced as a new member of the team by Miami Heat president Pat Riley (left) and head coach Erik Spoelstra (right) during a press conference at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images“Giannis is one of the best players of all time,” Thompson said.
“He is a special talent. Great respect for him and what he’s able to accomplish and how he’s gotten better every season. I think we both can just help each other. Not just him, but we could help the whole team. … I’m going to get so many great looks playing off him and Bam.”
Klay Thompson on playing with Giannis:
“Giannis is one of the best players of all time… I think we both can just help eachother. I’m going to get so many great looks playing off him and Bam.”
(h/t @TheHeatCentral) pic.twitter.com/V6nPVuh1Vs
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 25, 2026
The Heat believes Klay Thompson and Giannis Antetokounmpo can complement each other’s game. Thompson is still a threat from outside, despite being 36. In his past two seasons with the Mavericks, he shot 38.7% from downtown.
Thompson’s long-range threat would make it difficult for the defense to focus on Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Having the four-time champion will open up the floor for the frontcourt duo and keep the opposing teams on their toes.
Klay Thompson Compares Giannis Antetokounmpo to Stephen CurryKlay Thompson has been fortunate enough to play alongside some of the best players in the league. Thompson has played with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the latest addition to that list, and the five-time All-Star said that the Greek Freak’s impact is comparable to Curry’s.
“They both have similar impact on the game,” he said. “I play with, I think Giannis can be the third MVP I’ve been able to play with now, which is really cool. His interior scoring is one of the best ever, and his jump shot is greatly improved now. You can’t sag off him like you used to. He will punish you, and he’s just an incredible talent who has a great will to win.”
Klay Thompson on the impacts a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry share.
“They both have similar impact on the game…I don’t take this role I have lightly, whatever it is, I’m just happy to be here, thrilled to have a defined role in this team…” #Heatpic.twitter.com/yRcr19vHn0
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) August 25, 2026
Both Curry and Antetokounmpo have won MVPs, Finals MVPs and championships. Fans, experts and their peers recognize their impact in the NBA.
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