This is how Miami Heat would look with Klay Thompson: a fearsome roster that is still missing a piece

Miami Heat has made Klay Thompson a top priority after losing LeBron James, and his potential arrival would hold much more value than just being a media sensation. Pairing his outside shooting and experience with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo would address one of the team's main structural deficiencies, while the potential addition of DeMar DeRozan would complete a very deep rotation. However, what is still missing is a top-level point guard capable of organizing all that talent.

The move for Klay doesn't seem impossible either. One of the scenarios being considered involves the veteran guard heading to Florida in exchange for Nikola Jovic and a 2027 second-round pick, although Miami would prefer to acquire him if he reaches a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks. The competition from other title contenders could push the Heat to make a trade ahead of time, and although sacrificing Jovic wouldn't be insignificant, the competitive urgency of a team led by Antetokounmpo suggests a focus on the present.

A spectacular starting lineup with an evident deficiency

The hypothetical addition of Klay would form a starting five of tremendous quality:

• Point Guard: Davion Mitchell

• Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson

• Small Forward: Andrew Wiggins

• Power Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Center: Bam Adebayo

The initial impression is clear: few teams could field such a combination of physicality and defense. Mitchell can apply extraordinary ball pressure, Wiggins would take on some of the toughest perimeter matchups, and the duo of Giannis and Adebayo would offer almost limitless ability to switch assignments, protect the rim, and correct mistakes. Erik Spoelstra would have the tools to construct a suffocating and highly versatile defense.

Klay would complete the lineup by providing what the other four players don’t offer naturally: elite-level outside gravity. Even at this stage of his career, no opponent can afford to leave one of the greatest shooters of all time open. Every bit of space created by an Antetokounmpo drive or an Adebayo play could end up being a wide-open three for Thompson.

That's precisely where the immense value of his signing lies. Miami doesn't need the Klay who could perform as the second star of a dynasty. It needs the player who forces defenses to choose between clogging the paint against Giannis or conceding shots to a historic specialist.

Klay could completely change the Heat's offense

The fit becomes even more intriguing when considering Spoelstra's tactical possibilities. Adebayo is one of the best bigs in the league operating from the high post, setting screens, and distributing through handoffs. Klay has built much of his career by exploiting precisely those situations, constantly moving without the ball to find the slightest advantage to launch his shot.

Giannis would multiply those spaces. Every Greek Freak drive forces an entire defense to shift, and Klay could be one of the primary beneficiaries. If his defender helps, he receives and shoots. If they stick to him, Antetokounmpo finds a less crowded area to attack the rim. It's an offensive relationship that is simple yet incredibly difficult to counter.

Moreover, Wiggins' presence would add another player capable of running the floor, cutting, and attacking closeouts. Miami could establish an identity based on defense, transition, and interior play, using Thompson as the element tasked with constantly stretching the floor.

The potential signing of DeRozan would provide a spectacular bench

The scenario becomes even more enticing if Miami manages to also add DeMar DeRozan. In that case, the second unit could consist of Pelle Larsson, Ryan Conwell, Tim Hardaway Jr., DeRozan, Simone Fontecchio, Nikola Jovic, and Bobby Portis, although Jovic's presence would obviously depend on Miami being able to secure Klay without including him in the trade.

Having DeRozan as the sixth man would be a huge luxury. The veteran could become the main creator off the bench, take on half-court possessions, and address the issue that arises when Giannis is off the court. His ability to produce from mid-range and create his own shots would introduce a completely different offensive dimension.

Bobby Portis would contribute rebounding, intensity, and scoring from inside positions, while Fontecchio and Hardaway would further increase the volume of outside shooting. Larsson and Conwell would complete a rotation with youth and energy.

Spoelstra could stagger the minutes of his stars to have Giannis, Adebayo, Klay, or DeRozan practically always playing alongside the role players.

The major issue still lies at the point guard position

However, there is a weakness that cannot be ignored.

Miami needs a point guard.

Davion Mitchell is a very useful player, especially for his defense, energy, and ability to disrupt the opposing ball-handler. However, it's challenging to envision him as the starting floor general of a team aiming for a championship. His profile fits better as a specialist than as the orchestrator of an offense with such an abundance of talent.

The need becomes even more apparent in the playoffs. When the pace slows down and each possession demands flawless execution, the Heat would require a playmaker capable of controlling the game, running pick-and-rolls, and feeding their stars effectively.

While Giannis can handle much of the creation, and Adebayo is an excellent passer, consistently delegating these tasks to them would make the offense predictable. DeRozan could also generate off the bench, but he wouldn't solve the need for a natural floor general.

That should be Miami's next target once they secure Klay's arrival.

Is sacrificing Nikola Jovic worth it?

The proposed deal involving Dallas raises another crucial question. Giving up Nikola Jovic plus a 2027 second-round pick for a veteran player might seem like a considerable price, especially considering that the Mavericks could end up negotiating a buyout with Thompson.

Miami should try to wait as long as possible.

Jovic still has room to grow and, age-wise, fits into a much longer horizon than Klay. Parting ways with him would only make sense if the front office is convinced that there is a genuine opportunity to win the championship immediately and fears another contender might beat them to it.

That's where the pressure lies. If Klay becomes a free agent, it's likely that several contenders will come knocking. Miami could lose out on what they consider their top target by trying to preserve an asset.

A team built to win now

The potential rotation perfectly reflects the current state of the Heat. With Giannis Antetokounmpo as the main star and Bam Adebayo in full maturity, thinking about long-term projects would be irrelevant. The obligation is to maximize each season of this competitive window.

Klay perfectly aligns with this philosophy. He brings four rings, experience in crucial games, and one of the best shooting strokes the NBA has seen. He doesn't need constant possession or disrupt current hierarchies, and his strengths mesh exceptionally well with Miami's stars' deficiencies.

If they also manage to bring in DeRozan, Spoelstra would have a squad with a wealth of resources and experience. The starting lineup Mitchell-Thompson-Wiggins-Antetokounmpo-Adebayo could be outstanding defensively, and Klay would provide the necessary spacing for Giannis to dominate near the basket.

It wouldn't be a flawless roster yet. An impactful point guard is still missing, someone who can orchestrate, control critical moments, and turn all that talent into a truly fluid offense. But if Miami lands Klay and DeRozan and then finds a convincing solution for the playmaking role, the Heat could shift from the disappointment of missing out on LeBron James to constructing, through a completely different path, one of the most well-rounded and dangerous teams in the entire Eastern Conference.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Así quedaría Miami Heat con Klay Thompson: una plantilla temible a la que aún le falta una pieza