Klay Thompson said joining the Miami Heat gives him another opportunity to compete at the highest level, calling the 2026-27 season a “redemption season” as he begins the next chapter of his 14-year NBA career.
Speaking at his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Thompson pointed to Miami’s championship ambitions and his fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as the main reasons behind his decision.
“I would say just the opportunity to play high-level basketball throughout the season and the chance to make a deep postseason run,” Thompson said. “Those things were so attractive to me.”
Thompson acknowledged the financial considerations that come with any NBA decision but said competing for another championship carried greater weight at this stage of his career.
“I’ve tasted winning before and there’s really nothing like it,” Thompson said. “Even just getting there and failing is better than not even having a shot at it.”
The 35-year-old spent the 2025-26 season with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 11.7 points in 69 games while shooting 38.3% from three-point range. He averaged 7.6 three-point attempts per game despite playing only 21.7 minutes per contest, and his 53.2% effective field-goal percentage reflected the value of his perimeter shooting.
For his career, Thompson has averaged 18.6 points and shot 40.9% from three across 934 regular-season games. His move to Miami places one of the NBA’s most prolific shooters next to Antetokounmpo, whose ability to pressure the rim could create the type of perimeter opportunities Thompson described.
“I’m going to get so many great looks playing off him and Bam and Wigs and the rest of the guys because they create so much pressure going to the basket,” Thompson said. “It’s going to be fun just figuring out how we all fit together.”
Thompson also said he believes his role can extend beyond shooting as Miami integrates a roster that has undergone major changes since finishing 43-39 and reaching the Eastern Conference play-in tournament last season.
“Especially at this stage in my career, I get to play a specific role and my voice will go a long way hopefully with this team and just to lead by example,” Thompson said.
His arrival gives the Heat another experienced perimeter option after the offseason additions of Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr., while Andrew Wiggins remains on the roster after shooting 41.4% from three-point range in 68 games last season.
Thompson said he remains motivated to prove he can contribute to a winning team despite entering his 14th NBA season.
“I still feel like I have a lot to prove,” Thompson said. “For myself and this upcoming season, it’s kind of a redemption season for me to show I can still make an impact on winning and do it consistently.”
Thompson also addressed his physical condition after appearing in 72, 69 and 69 games over the last three seasons. After missing the entire 2019-20 season with a knee injury and 2020-21 with an Achilles injury, he said those setbacks are now behind him.
“I still think I can do it at a high level,” Thompson said. “Those injuries are back in the past and I don’t even think about them anymore.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Thompson’s shooting and movement without the ball should translate naturally alongside Miami’s new core.
“The way he shoots the ball and the way he moves without the basketball, the way he’s done it over his entire career, it’s an offense unto itself,” Spoelstra said. “One way or another, it’s going to help us.”
