Miami Heat Remain Interested in Klay Thompson
The Miami Heat reportedly remains interested in Dallas Mavericks veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson. The Heat has also shown some interest in veteran guard Bradley Beal and veteran forward DeMar DeRozan. They’ve had discussions with the representatives of both Beal, 33, and DeRozan, 36, per league sources.
Thompson, 36, remains under contract with the Mavericks. Thompson’s due $17.5 million in the final year of his three-year, $50 million contract. He signed the contract in July 2024, ending his storied 13-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors. But this means that the Heat would need to either trade for the 36-year-old or hope he leaves in a buyout agreement.
Miami Heat Remains Interested in Klay Thompson
The Miami Heat remains interested in Klay Thompson. According to league sources, Miami has been prioritizing the star shooting guard. Thompson’s three-point shooting, championship pedigree, and veteran presence would make him the right fit. Miami’s shooting needs would complement newly added forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and star center Bam Adebayo.
Thompson averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% from the three-point line, for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025-26 NBA season. He had a below-average scoring season, but he’s still contributing by playing a supporting role, providing veteran leadership, and offering defensive versatility.
Thompson’s still a significant guard, but his production in recent years has been below his Golden State Warriors years. More fans and media members have been seeing Thompson as a role player as opposed to a star. He has clearly struggled to match or surpass his peak, but his shooting efficiency and floor spacing remain valuable.
Heat’s Interest in Thompson
The Heat’s interest in Thompson is clear, as the latter is a top offseason target. If the Heat acquires Thompson, they could improve the perimeter shooting around Antetokounmpo, 31, and Adebayo, 29. They missed out on acquiring LeBron James, who signed a two-year, $8 million veterans’ minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Heat could acquire Thompson in either a trade or a buyout, but most likely a trade. The only issue is the team’s salary-matching complications. They might not part ways with forward Nikola Jovic due to his long-term potential. But they might facilitate a sign-and-trade of Andrew Wiggins to Dallas in exchange for Thompson, while sending salary and additional assets.
If the Heat decides on a buyout, their path to acquiring Thompson would be easier. However, the Los Angeles native might not agree to a significant salary reduction. His defensive impact has declined from his prime, but his extensive experience — and shooting — can help a Miami squad that appears to be in a win-now mode.
Heat’s Outlook
The Heat’s outlook entering the 2026-27 NBA season appears to be optimistic. The Heat enter 2026-27 as a top 18 team in the NBA in terms of the power ratings, ranking 18th out of 30 teams at the time of writing. This ranking reflects the team’s strong performance in 2025-26, which could position them to become an Eastern Conference contender.
The Heat made a major splash this offseason with the blockbuster trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. They sent guard Tyler Herro, center Kel’el Ware, forward Jamie Jaquez Jr., guard Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a pick swap, and a future second-round pick to Milwaukee in exchange for the Greek Freak.
The Heat open the NBA preseason on October 3 against the Toronto Raptors at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Quebec, as part of NBA Canada Games 2026. The upcoming game marks the first NBA preseason matchup played in Quebec City.
