Klay Thompson Compares New Teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo to Stephen Curry: “Both Have Similar Impact”

Klay Thompson likened Giannis Antetokounmpo's impact to Warriors star Stephen Curry.

Klay Thompson Compares New Teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo to Stephen Curry: “Both Have Similar Impact”

Klay Thompson on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry (Image credits - Yahoo Sports and HITC)

Klay Thompson will be playing the upcoming 2026-27 campaign for the Miami Heat. It will be the third team he plays for in his career and his first in the Eastern Conference.

The move will see him join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami. The Greek freak is one of the best players in the world. He is a former champion and a two-time MVP of the league.

Thompson has won four championships in his career, and all of them have been alongside his “splash brother,” Stephen Curry. However, if he has to win his fifth title, it will have to be without his Golden State Warriors teammate.

During his unveiling, Thompson drew comparisons between the former MVPs and their impact on the game.

They both have similar impact on the game. I think Giannis can be the third MVP I’ve been able to play with now, which is really cool. And I love being around guys like that who leave it all on the floor and really care about their craft. That’s what attracted me too was just like, ‘Wow, I get to play with another MVP caliber player.’ And that’s rare.

Klay Thompson in his press conference

After reports of Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks parting ways came out, he was linked to a number of teams over the last few weeks. The Heat were the first team interested in signing him, but the Warriors were also open to acquiring him if he were to secure a buyout and become a free agent. In the end, he ended up signing for the Heat.

Antetokounmpo is the second two-time MVP Thompson will play alongside after Stephen Curry. He achieved a lot of success with Curry during his 11-year spell with the Warriors and now will be hoping to do the same with the Greek star.

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Klay Thompson on his fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami

Both Thompson and Giannis Antetokounmpo are coming off disappointing 2025-26 campaigns. Thompson struggled during his two-year stint with the Mavs, and Antetokounmpo was surrounded by trade rumors throughout the season. After the season came to an end, the Heat traded for Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in the first big move of the summer.

During his press conference, Thompson spoke about his new superstar teammate and how he fits in Miami.

Giannis is one of the best players of all time. I think we can both just help each other, not just him, but the whole team. Just freeing them up for lanes to drive, for space to operate, and for myself, I’m going to get so many great looks playing off him and Bam and Wiggs because they create so much pressure going to the basket.

Klay Thompson in his press conference

The Heat were always going to see a lot of changes after acquiring Antetokounmpo. With the 2021 Finals MVP and Bam Adebayo forming the frontcourt duo, the front office was actively looking for sharpshooters. They were rewarded as they landed one of the greatest shooters of all time in Thompson.

The upcoming season is Klay Thompson’s “redemption season”

Klay Thompson has seen a steady decline in the last four years. The Warriors did not offer him an extension after a poor end to his 2023-24 campaign. His time in Dallas also did not go according to plan. He saw himself as a role player as he came off the bench last season.

Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson (Image credits – BasketballNews)

However, the four-time champion is excited to redeem himself and show everyone that he can still have an impact on winning.

As athletes, we always have a chip on our shoulders. I have a lot to prove in year 14. I feel I can prove that by being on a winning team. This upcoming season is kind of a redemption season for me to show I can still make an impact on winning.

Klay Thompson in his press conference

Thompson formed one of the most fearsome backcourt duos when he played with Curry in Golden State. He was also tasked with guarding the best player on the opposition. In Miami, he will be expected to be more of a catch-and-shoot player. It could be a mix of starting games and providing a veteran boost off the bench.

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