The Miami Heat is a well-known suitor for Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson, but there are some obstacles in the way.
For weeks, it has been reported that the Mavs, who acquired Thompson in free agency two years ago, have no interest in buying out Thompson’s contract and letting him walk for nothing. The Heat, meanwhile, hopes the five-time All-Star guard hits the open market, allowing the team to sign him as a free agent.
“It appears that the Heat will remain patient in filling out the rest of its roster to give Thompson time to possibly shake free through a buyout agreement,” Heat reporter Anthony Chiang wrote for the Miami Herald. However, it appears the Heat won’t land its wish to acquire Thompson at least until sometime after this offseason, as Dallas is reportedly unwilling to buyout the remaining amount on the former All-Star’s remaining contract.”
What Needs to Happen for Miami Heat to Land Klay Thompson via Trade
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 10: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts following the Atlanta Hawks 124-112 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at State Farm Arena on March 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, for the Heat to acquire Thompson in a trade, it’ll have to move 23-year-old forward Nikola Jokic, who signed a four-year rookie-scale contract extension ahead of the 2025-26 season.
“As previously mentioned, the Mavs hold no interest in buying out Klay Thompson and are planning to utilize his salary in a trade. If the Heat truly want Thompson, they will need to sacrifice young forward Nikola Jovic (in) a deal,” Siegel reported for ClutchPoints.
Although the Mavs are unwilling to reach a buyout agreement with the 36-year-old Thompson, who is owed roughly $17 million next season, the franchise has been open to trade offers, according to The Athletic.
“At this point, it remains unclear if Klay Thompson — the Mavericks’ leading 3-point shooter in each of the past two seasons — will be back in Dallas for a third year,” the report said. “The Mavericks have explored his trade market but have yet to find a deal, multiple sources with rival teams told The Athletic on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss any potential negotiations. Thompson is owed $17.5 million this season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.”
Miami Not Looking to Add Klay via Trade
The Heat would much rather wait for Thompson to shake free in Dallas. After Miami acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo in a deal that consumed a majority of its assets, the team isn’t interested in parting with what little draft capital and young talent it has left.
“While a trade for Thompson is also possible, it would be challenging to pull off considering the only three players on the Heat’s current roster able to be traded for Thompson in a one-for-one deal are Nikola Jovic, Davion Mitchell and Bobby Portis. The cleaner path is for the Mavericks to eventually agree to a buyout with Thompson, with Thompson hypothetically giving up $7 million of his current salary to become a free agent,” Chiang wrote.
Thompson, one of the greatest shooters in league history, has generated interest from other teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
At this point, it appears Thompson will start the upcoming season in Dallas.
Report: Heat Learn What it Will Take to Land Klay Thompson This Offseason