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Joe Johnson Backs Klay Thompson’s Move to Miami as Heat Add Championship Experience
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- Joe Johnson Backs Klay Thompson’s Move to Miami as Heat Add Championship Experience
Klay Thompson is getting another chance with the Miami Heat and, according to Joe Johnson , the decision looks well justified. He is not the player who was able to cause nightmares for any defense team alongside Stephen Curry in the Golden State Warriors anymore.
But there is one thing that Johnson sees that Heat badly need at the moment and that is shooting, spacing, and championship experience, which could make him a better fit than numbers show.
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Klay Thompson Gives Miami Heat Another Dangerous Floor Spacer
Jun 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson watches the game between the Dallas Wings and the Chicago Sky during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Johnson's argument is pretty simple . The Heat needs players who can stretch the floor, and Thompson still has one of the most respected shooting profiles in NBA history.
"If you're Miami you gotta have floor spacing…so to have guys like Tim Hardaway Jr , Klay Thompson — guys who can really space the floor and make shots…Klay plays the right way, obviously championship pedigree is going to help Miami and what they're trying to do…I'm excited for Klay — I really hope he gets the opportunity to play more championship caliber basketball."
The Heat already added Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason; however, bringing in Thompson gives them another veteran capable of punishing defenses when they collapse on Antetokounmpo . That matters even more with Miami expected to build its offense around the two-time MVP's ability to attack the paint and draw attention.
Johnson also highlighted something beyond the shooting. He believes Thompson plays the right way. That may be especially valuable for a Miami roster that will need veterans to fit around Antetokounmpo rather than compete with him for touches. Thompson does not need to dominate the ball to impact a game. He can sprint around screens, relocate behind the arc, and punish defenders who lose track of him.
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His recent production obviously raises questions. The 36-year-old averaged only 11.7 points per game for the Dallas Mavericks last season while shooting 39.3% from the field. He also spent stretches coming off the bench after the Mavericks initially brought him in, expecting him to start.
Those numbers are a long way from his Golden State peak. However, Miami is not signing Thompson to recreate the player who once scored 60 points on 11 dribbles. The Heat need a reliable perimeter threat who can make defenses pay for helping off him. Thompson's career 40.9% three-point shooting remains a major reason teams respect him.
And then there is the championship pedigree. Thompson won four titles with the Warriors and spent years playing meaningful postseason basketball. Johnson believes that experience can rub off on a Miami team entering a new era around Antetokounmpo.
Even Draymond Green has already joked about Thompson's move to South Beach, referencing the boat rides that became part of Thompson's Warriors identity.
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