‘My joints just feel good’: Klay Thompson’s first reaction to life with the Heat

‘My joints just feel good’: Klay Thompson’s first reaction to life with the Heat originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Klay Thompson’s latest chapter began in Miami with plenty of attention surrounding the four-time champion. Just days after his Dallas departure became official, Thompson touched down in South Florida and was quickly asked about adjusting to his new surroundings. His response offered an intriguing first look at what awaits him with the Heat.

Thompson left $4 million on the table in his Dallas Mavericks buyout to chase a fifth ring in Biscayne Bay. Thompson’s early reaction to the Miami climate proves he is already locked into the grind. 

Klay Thompson explains why the Miami climate feels different

Thompson touched down in South Florida over the weekend, just days after his buyout with Dallas became official. Reporters caught up with him almost immediately, curious how the four-time champion was adjusting to his new city.

“My joints just feel good being out here with this climate,” Thompson said in a video shared by ESPN. “I can’t wait to meet staff, my co-workers, and executives, try new cuisines, get some really good local food, and get to work. I was always here in passing, so it’s nice to be planted, just being able to experience a great place.”

Thompson signed a two-year contract worth $11.5 million with the Miami Heat. He finalized the deal in August 2026 after agreeing to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks. He gave up roughly $9.8 million to secure his exit from Dallas and join his new team. Speaking after the trade became official, Thompson explained his primary goal by saying, “The opportunity to win again at a very high level was so attractive to me.” 

Miami built this roster around a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, pairing the two-time MVP with center Bam Adebayo and now Thompson’s outside shooting.

Thompson also addressed the demanding standard known as Heat Culture, saying some people mistake South Florida for golf courses and piña coladas when the program is far more militaristic. He added that he has been through harder things than a rigorous training environment, pointing to his lengthy recovery from past injuries.

Klay Thompson chases history on all-time three-point list

Thompson starts the season in fourth place on the all-time NBA three-pointer list with 2,899 made shots. He needs 75 more to pass Ray Allen for third place. This big goal is very doable in Miami because playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo will give him plenty of wide-open shots from the outside.

Bam Adebayo explained that Thompson’s elite shooting will give the Heat the exact extra space they need on the court. Thompson has an amazing history, with four championships and a league record of 37 points in a single quarter. This means he will easily score if other teams try to crowd Miami’s star big men.

With training camp coming up, Thompson trying to reach the top three in all-time three-pointers is a massive story in the league. If Thompson can make a lot of outside shots, he will give Miami the extra scoring power they need to beat the Boston Celtics.

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