Klay Thompson could become a potential option for the Miami Heat if the Dallas Mavericks agree to a buyout with the veteran guard, according to Anthony Slater.
The Heat are monitoring Thompson’s situation as they continue reshaping their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Miami’s interest exists regardless of whether LeBron James eventually joins the franchise, according to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Thompson is entering the final season of the three-year contract he signed with Dallas and is owed $17.5 million in 2026-27. However, a buyout remains uncertain, as NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Mavericks are currently exploring trade options rather than simply releasing him.
A buyout would provide the most realistic path for Miami to add Thompson. The Heat have limited financial flexibility after completing the blockbuster trade that brought Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving a potential mid-level exception signing as one of the few avenues available.
Miami has approximately $7 million available through its mid-level exception, although those funds could become complicated if the Heat continue pursuing LeBron James. Unless James accepts a veteran minimum contract, Miami may need that exception to complete another major addition.
A trade between Miami and Dallas appears more difficult. One theoretical framework would involve the Heat sending Nikola Jovic to the Mavericks for Thompson’s expiring contract, but Dallas would have little incentive to absorb Jovic’s newly signed four-year, $62 million extension without a significant asset return.
The Mavericks finished the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 record and remain below the luxury tax threshold, meaning there is no immediate financial motivation for Dallas to move Thompson unless the deal improves the roster.
Despite a decline in production, Thompson remains one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. The five-time All-Star ranks fourth all-time in made three-pointers and owns a career 40.9% shooting percentage from beyond the arc over 934 regular-season games.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 69 games for Dallas last season while shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range in 21.7 minutes per game. His scoring average dropped from 14.0 points in 2024-25, but he remained a reliable perimeter threat.
Miami’s interest is centered on Thompson’s shooting, championship experience and ability to provide spacing around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo. The Heat lost Norman Powell in free agency to the Chicago Bulls and have continued searching for additional perimeter scoring after restructuring the roster.
The Heat already added veteran shooting this offseason by signing Tim Hardaway Jr., re-signing Andrew Wiggins and retaining Simone Fontecchio. However, Thompson would provide another proven option capable of creating offensive space for Antetokounmpo’s interior pressure and Adebayo’s versatility.
The Warriors’ dynasty core with Thompson and Stephen Curry produced four championships, and Thompson’s experience in high-pressure games remains attractive for teams with championship ambitions.
Miami finished the 2025-26 season with a 43-39 record before making one of the biggest moves in franchise history by acquiring Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee. Adding Thompson would represent another attempt to surround its new superstar with established veterans capable of contributing immediately.
For now, the Heat’s pursuit depends on whether Dallas finds a trade partner or decides a buyout is the best path forward. If Thompson becomes available, Miami is expected to be among the teams monitoring his market.
