Klay Thompson may turn into a possible choice for the Miami Warmth if the Dallas Mavericks conform to a buyout with the veteran guard, in keeping with Anthony Slater.
The Warmth are monitoring Thompson’s state of affairs as they proceed reshaping their roster round Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Miami’s curiosity exists no matter whether or not LeBron James finally joins the franchise, in keeping with Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Thompson is coming into the ultimate season of the three-year contract he signed with Dallas and is owed $17.5 million in 2026-27. Nevertheless, a buyout stays unsure, as NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Mavericks are at present exploring commerce choices moderately than merely releasing him.
A buyout would offer probably the most lifelike path for Miami so as to add Thompson. The Warmth have restricted monetary flexibility after finishing the blockbuster commerce that introduced Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving a possible mid-level exception signing as one of many few avenues out there.
Miami has roughly $7 million out there by its mid-level exception, though these funds may turn into difficult if the Warmth proceed pursuing LeBron James. Except James accepts a veteran minimal contract, Miami might have that exception to finish one other main addition.
A commerce between Miami and Dallas seems tougher. One theoretical framework would contain the Warmth sending Nikola Jovic to the Mavericks for Thompson’s expiring contract, however Dallas would have little incentive to soak up Jovic’s newly signed four-year, $62 million extension with no important asset return.
The Mavericks completed the 2025-26 season with a 26-56 file and stay beneath the luxurious tax threshold, which means there is no such thing as a quick monetary motivation for Dallas to maneuver Thompson except the deal improves the roster.
Regardless of a decline in manufacturing, Thompson stays one of many best shooters in NBA historical past. The five-time All-Star ranks fourth all-time in made three-pointers and owns a profession 40.9% taking pictures share from past the arc over 934 regular-season video games.
Thompson averaged 11.7 factors, 3.1 rebounds and a couple of.0 assists in 69 video games for Dallas final season whereas taking pictures 39.3% from the sphere and 38.3% from three-point vary in 21.7 minutes per recreation. His scoring common dropped from 14.0 factors in 2024-25, however he remained a dependable perimeter risk.
Miami’s curiosity is centered on Thompson’s taking pictures, championship expertise and talent to offer spacing round Antetokounmpo and Adebayo. The Warmth misplaced Norman Powell in free company to the Chicago Bulls and have continued looking for further perimeter scoring after restructuring the roster.
The Warmth already added veteran taking pictures this offseason by signing Tim Hardaway Jr., re-signing Andrew Wiggins and retaining Simone Fontecchio. Nevertheless, Thompson would offer one other confirmed choice able to creating offensive area for Antetokounmpo’s inside strain and Adebayo’s versatility.
The Warriors’ dynasty core with Thompson and Stephen Curry produced 4 championships, and Thompson’s expertise in high-pressure video games stays engaging for groups with championship ambitions.
Miami completed the 2025-26 season with a 43-39 file earlier than making one of many largest strikes in franchise historical past by buying Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee. Including Thompson would signify one other try and encompass its new celebrity with established veterans able to contributing instantly.
For now, the Warmth’s pursuit depends upon whether or not Dallas finds a commerce associate or decides a buyout is one of the best path ahead. If Thompson turns into out there, Miami is anticipated to be among the many groups monitoring his market.
