Miami Heat needs to make a move after LeBron James declined their offer and has already identified a new priority target: Klay Thompson. According to reports from the United States, the Florida franchise wants to capitalize on the shooting guard's uncertain situation with the Dallas Mavericks, either through a trade or by waiting for a potential buyout.
The name makes sporting sense. Miami has built a heavyweight project around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, but needs perimeter shooting so the offense doesn't become too predictable. In that context, Klay remains a highly valuable profile: a threat without the ball, championship experience, and the ability to punish opponents from the corners or coming off screens.
The most convenient path for the Heat would be a buyout with Dallas. If Thompson becomes a free agent, Miami could sign him without giving up assets. The problem is that the Mavericks, for now, would prefer to explore a trade rather than facilitate a direct exit via buyout, since Klay still has a contract through the 2026/27 season, with a salary close to $17.5 million.
Thompson comes off a 2025/26 season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he played 69 games and averaged 19.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, shooting 38.3% from three-point range. These numbers explain why, even far from his peak physical condition, he still has market value among championship contenders.
For Miami, his fit would be clear. Giannis draws defensive help every time he attacks the rim, and Adebayo can generate offense from the high post, pick-and-roll, or isolation. Klay wouldn't need to handle the ball much: he would simply move, catch, and shoot. Exactly what the Heat need to open up the floor.
The deal, however, is far from done and doesn't appear straightforward. If Dallas doesn't grant the buyout, Miami would have to negotiate a trade and compete with other teams that would also see Thompson as a useful piece for the playoffs. The Heat reacted quickly to the LeBron blow, but now must decide whether to wait or get ahead of the market.
Klay is no longer the dominant player from the Golden State Warriors dynasty, but he remains one of the most respected shooters in the NBA. And alongside Giannis and Bam, his mere presence could significantly change the geometry of Miami's offense.