Klay Thompson is officially headed to Miami, but his arrival may not solve the Heat’s biggest concern heading into the new season.
Thompson agreed to a two-year, $11.5 million deal with a team option in the second season shortly after completing a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, according to insider Keith Smith.
On paper, the fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo makes plenty of sense.
Thompson remains a dangerous three-point shooter, connecting on 38.8 percent of his attempts from deep last season. His ability to punish defenses when multiple players collapse on Antetokounmpo could give Miami another valuable weapon on the perimeter.
But the bigger spacing issue isn’t necessarily at shooting guard.
Miami is expected to start Antetokounmpo alongside Bam Adebayo, giving opposing defenses two players they may be willing to leave open on the perimeter during crucial possessions. Adding another shooter doesn’t automatically solve that problem, particularly when Tim Hardaway Jr. and rookie Ryan Conwell were already options at the two.
Thompson’s limitations inside the arc are another concern. The 36-year-old made just 41.8 percent of his two-point attempts last season, while his passing turnover rate of 16 percent ranked in the 19th percentile.
His game has changed considerably since the injuries that interrupted his prime. Thompson tore his ACL during the 2019 NBA Finals before suffering a torn Achilles while working his way back.
The four-time champion can still provide elite shooting, but he’s no longer the same movement threat who could completely reshape an opposing defense.
That leaves Miami needing improvement elsewhere. Davion Mitchell made 39.5 percent from three last season but did so on relatively low volume, while Pelle Larsson connected on 32.3 percent. Andrew Wiggins shot 41.4 percent, although Miami may need him taking more attempts.
The Heat undoubtedly added another proven weapon by signing Thompson, and playing alongside Antetokounmpo should generate plenty of open looks.
But if Miami wants to become a legitimate Eastern Conference contender, simply adding Klay isn’t enough. The Heat still need to find a way to create consistent spacing around their new superstar when games tighten up in the playoffs.
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