The Miami Heat helped kick off NBA draft week in grand style. By acquiring Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat seemingly entered the conversation in the Eastern Conference.
In order to acquire the former MVP, Miami parted with guards Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., and center Kel’el Ware, along with hefty draft capital. Yet the team envisioned pairing Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo, a pairing too good to pass up.
Klay Thompson Could Figure in As an Addition to New-Look Miami Heat
Now, Heat management will embark on an endeavor to fill out the rest of the roster. With formidable post players, perimeter players become a necessity. An NBA champion could figure into Miami’s plans as they attempt to contend for a title.
Antetokounmpo and Adebayo look to dominate the paint on both offense and defense. However, teams already know this and will focus on the paint, limiting the quality of their touches.
To counter this, the Heat will need to spread the floor, forcing opposing defenses to play honestly rather than shading in the paint. To achieve this, they will need shooters. According to Miami insider Ethan J. Skolnick, Miami could land on two possible solutions.
Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton are names to watch for the Miami Heat after trading for Giannis, per, @EthanJSkolnick
(Via https://t.co/1WSUnKCwMv) pic.twitter.com/giUzIktpsi
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) June 23, 2026
“Klay Thompson and Khris Middleton are names to watch for the Miami Heat after trading for Giannis, per,
@EthanJSkolnick”
At 35, some will question how many more quality minutes Thompson has left. On top of that, his two seasons as a member of the Dallas Mavericks painted the portrait of a player nearing the end. In 141 games (80 starts), the swingman averaged 12.9 points on 40.3% field goal shooting.
Those pale into comparison to Thompson’s 19.6 points and 45.3% from the field as a member of the Golden State Warriors.
In Miami, the offense wouldn’t hinge upon Thompson. He wouldn’t even be the second option. In fact, as the third option, the four-time NBA champion can camp on the perimeter, presumably behind the three-point line. The point guard will feed the ball to the post, drawing attention there.
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From there, Antetokounmpo and Adebayo can see Thompson spotting up for a wide-open shot. While it seems simple, the onus is on Thompson to make open shots. Defensively, he’s never been considered a lockdown defender. However, the Heat boasts two rim protectors that can erase any perimeter defensive lapses.
Thompson will more than likely end up in the Hall of Fame. At the same time, playing in Miami gives him the opportunity that many don’t have. With a bounce-back season, he can rewrite the ending of his career. Provided the Heat play well and make a deep playoff run, people could forget about Thompson’s Dallas days.
