Klay Thompson on joining Heat: “I want to be tested. I want to be pushed.”

Klay Thompson opened up about playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, reuniting with Andrew Wiggins and why he believes Miami is the right fit.

Klay Thompson has four championships and plenty of accomplishments to look back on. But as he gets started on a new chapter with the Miami Heat, the veteran sharpshooter is more interested in what he still has left to give.

And if there were any questions about his willingness to embrace Miami’s demands, Thompson made his position clear.

“That’s why I signed up to be here,” Thompson said to reporters assembled at the Kaseya Center on 2026 NBA Media Day. “I want to be tested. I want to be pushed. And it will only help me come opening night.”

The first test is already behind him — literally.

Asked whether his early time around the team reinforced his decision to join Miami, Klay pointed to passing the Heat’s conditioning test, something he half-jokingly admitted he had “stressed out over for about a month.”

Getting to know his teammates has helped, too.

“I feel so inspired to be here and put my best foot forward.”

Playing with Giannis has already made an impression

Thompson knows what it takes to complement a superstar. His years alongside Stephen Curry required constant movement, quick decisions and an understanding of how to create space without having the ball.

Playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo will present a different opportunity.

“So I may not do as much running as I did while I was in the Bay, but I’ll be there on the perimeter, spacing the floor for him, hopefully drawing defenders away from the rim,” Klay said.

That combination is an intriguing one for Miami. Thompson’s shooting can make defenses think twice about loading up in the paint, while Antetokounmpo’s ability to get downhill can create opportunities on the outside.

Even in pickup games, Thompson has noticed the pressure his new teammate puts on the rim. He has also come away impressed with Antetokounmpo’s passing and approach to the work.

“He is still so hungry, leads every drill, doesn’t skip steps,” Thompson said. “It’s awesome, man.”

For someone who has shared the floor with multiple MVPs, that excitement carries some weight.

“I just am so excited to be around that type of energy again.”

Championship expectations and a familiar face

There is also comfort in having Andrew Wiggins alongside him again.

The two already know what it feels like to win a championship together, and Thompson offered a strong endorsement of what Wiggins brings beyond his production.

“He’s one of the most low-maintenance All-Stars I’ve ever been around,” Thompson said. “He just does his work, loves his family and his job, and his energy is contagious.”

Klay sees depth throughout Miami’s roster and welcomes the expectations that come with it.

“It’s a joy to be on a team who has championship expectations,” he said.

Still, he knows those expectations won’t mean much without the daily work.

“I’ve been lucky enough to do this for a long time and realize you can’t skip steps.”

“I still know I have a lot left in the tank”

Thompson was just as direct about his own motivation.

“I just want to prove I could still make an impact on winning,” he said. “And that’s really the only reason I still play, is because I want to win.”

He believes his shooting and floor spacing can still make a difference. Miami offers an opportunity to put those strengths to work while competing for something meaningful.

“I still know I have a lot left in the tank,” Klay said.

Away from basketball, he is already finding ways to bring the group together. A recent boat outing gave his teammates a chance to disconnect and spend time with one another – especially vital with so many new faces around.

“When you’re offshore with no cell service, you just got to talk,” he said. “You’re forced to socialize.”

For Thompson, those moments are part of being a veteran. He still remembers older teammates taking him out as a rookie, and now he gets to return the favor.

The ocean, nearby family and a connection to Miami through his father have all helped him settle in. But the reason he is here remains straightforward.

“I’ve tasted it before,” Thompson said of winning. “And it’s the best feeling in team sports, is doing something collectively as a group.”

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