Miami has officially added Klay Thompson to its championship chase, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is already discussing a possible return to Milwaukee.
Thompson has completed his move to the Heat after clearing waivers following a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
The five-time All-Star reportedly signed a two-year agreement worth approximately US$11.5 million, with Miami holding a team option for the second season.
“We just made a splash, bro! Welcome to the 305,” the Heat posted while unveiling their latest addition.
The NBA has confirmed Thompson’s signing, placing one of the greatest shooters in league history alongside Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
However, the excitement surrounding Miami’s rebuilt roster has been complicated by an eyebrow-raising admission from its new superstar.
Giannis Already Talking About Leaving Miami
Antetokounmpo spent his first 13 NBA seasons with Milwaukee before the Bucks traded him and Bobby Portis to Miami.
Despite preparing to begin his first season with the Heat, the two-time MVP has openly discussed the possibility of eventually returning to his former club.
“It will always be in my heart,” Antetokounmpo said on AnesTea The Podcast.
“When I finish this cycle with Miami, which I don’t know when it will end, and if, I will definitely return to Milwaukee, and I don’t know if they want me then.”
The comments do not mean Antetokounmpo is preparing to leave Miami early. He gave no timeframe for a return and could merely be imagining a ceremonial final season with the organisation where his extraordinary career began.
Even so, it is an unusual message for Miami supporters to hear before he has played a competitive game for the Heat.
The franchise has just surrendered Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis and significant draft capital to build its immediate future around Antetokounmpo.
Miami supporters would understandably prefer to hear about the championships he hopes to win with the Heat rather than the team he may represent after his “cycle” in South Florida ends.
Thompson Is the Shooter Giannis Needed
Whatever Antetokounmpo’s long-term intentions, Thompson should make his transition considerably easier.
The 36-year-old averaged 11.7 points and 2.1 rebounds last season while converting 38.3 per cent of his three-point attempts.
Those figures are far removed from his best seasons with Golden State, but his reputation still forces defenders to remain attached to him away from the ball.
That spacing is particularly valuable beside Antetokounmpo.
Opponents routinely collapse into the paint when the Greek superstar attacks the basket. Thompson’s presence gives Miami an immediate punishment for defenders who abandon the perimeter.
He ranks fourth in NBA history with 2,899 made three-pointers and brings four championships worth of postseason experience to Erik Spoelstra’s roster.
Thompson will not solve every problem. His defensive mobility has declined, he offers little shot creation and Miami could encounter spacing issues whenever Antetokounmpo and Adebayo share the court without enough shooting around them.
However, the Heat have acquired him without sacrificing a player or draft selection and at a relatively modest financial cost.
Dallas Experiment Ends After Two Seasons
Thompson joined Dallas in 2024 on a three-year, US$50 million contract after ending his historic partnership with Stephen Curry and the Warriors.
He hoped to compete for another championship alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, but that version of the Mavericks quickly disappeared.
Dallas traded Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers before eventually completing a broader organisational overhaul. Thompson’s role diminished as the Mavericks finished the 2025–26 season with a 26–56 record.
Miami now offers him a considerably clearer purpose.
The Heat do not need Thompson to become the player who averaged more than 20 points across five consecutive healthy seasons with Golden State.
They need him to make open shots, provide intelligent movement and bring championship composure to a team attempting to maximise Antetokounmpo’s prime.
Denver Adds DeRozan at Bargain Price
Miami was not the only contender to add an accomplished veteran scorer.
DeMar DeRozan has agreed to join the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, US$3.9 million contract after being released by Sacramento.
The six-time All-Star averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists last season while shooting 49.7 per cent from the field.
DeRozan’s limited three-point shooting and defensive questions may complicate his fit, but securing a player with more than 26,000 career points for the veteran minimum represents minimal financial risk.
Denver can now deploy DeRozan as another half-court creator alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray without requiring him to carry the offence.
Miami’s Championship Window Is Open Now
Thompson’s arrival reinforces the urgency surrounding Miami.
The Heat have assembled a roster built to compete immediately, adding an all-time shooter to support Antetokounmpo and Adebayo while retaining experienced players including Andrew Wiggins.
The gamble is whether Thompson has enough left defensively and physically to remain playable deep into the postseason.
His shooting should help, but Miami’s ultimate ceiling will still depend on Antetokounmpo embracing his new surroundings and Spoelstra finding enough offensive balance around two interior-oriented stars.
Giannis may one day return to Milwaukee.
For now, Miami needs its newly acquired superstar focused on ensuring his Heat “cycle” lasts long enough to deliver a championship.
