Preferred option emerges in Heat’s pursuit of shooter. And James, personnel news
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, a five-time All Star and the fourth-most prolific three-point shooter in NBA history, has emerged as a player of strong interest to the Miami Heat, multiple sources said in recent days.
The Heat has interest in adding Thompson whether LeBron James joins the Heat or not, a source said.
Thompson, 36, would fill the Heat’s need for another shooter and a player with size (6-5), length and defensive chops, though his defense isn’t at the level as it was during the 2018-19 season, when he was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team.
The question is whether Thompson will shake free from the Mavericks, either through a buyout or trade.
The Mavericks, well below the luxury tax line, have no particular financial incentive to dump Thompson — who’s owed $17.5 million in the final year of a three-year contract — unless he’s willing to take a significant pay cut on a buyout.
If Thompson decides he wants to play for the Heat, he could accept a modest buyout from the Mavericks and make up a significant part of the money by taking $7 million available from Miami’s midlevel exception. (It’s possible that $7 million could go to James if he chooses the Heat — unless James takes the veteran’s minimum.)
NBA insider Marc Stein reported last week the Mavericks are actively exploring the trade market for Thompson instead of pursuing a contract buyout.
“To this point as much has been relayed to me is the Mavs preference would be a trade,” Stein said. “I think it’s still early enough in the summer that if you’re the Mavs you would exhaust those options first.”
So any chance of landing Thompson would require the Mavericks’ cooperation (if it’s a trade) or more likely, a financial sacrifice by Thompson, if it’s a buyout.
The only trade scenario that would make sense, from the Heat’s standpoint, would be if Miami could dump Nikola Jovic’s contract on Dallas in exchange for Thompson’s expiring contract. But it would be surprising if the Mavericks had interest in Jovic’s deal, with his four-year, $62 million extension kicking in this season.
Though Thompson is no longer playing at an All-Star level, he was productive for Dallas last season. He averaged 11.7 points in 69 games and eight starts while shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% on 7.6 three-pointers per game last regular season.
Thompson averaged 14 points while shooting 39.1% on 7.7 three-point attempts per game across 72 appearances (72 starts) for the Mavericks during the 2024-25 regular season.
Thompson is fourth on the NBA’s all-time three-point list with 2,899 made threes, trailing only Stephen Curry (4,248), James Harden (3,390) and Ray Allen (2,973).
Thompson’s career 40.9% three-point shooting is ninth among active players and 25th all time.
Thompson’s father, Mychal, led Miami Jackson High to the 4A state championship in 1974 and later played for the Pat Riley-coached Los Angeles Lakers in the late 1980s.
Because his father was born in the Bahamas, Klay Thompson frequently travels to the Caribbean during the summer to train, boat, and connect with his Bahamian heritage.
Per a source, the Heat would like to add another scoring wing player with size to supplement Andrew Wiggins, Tim Hardaway Jr., second-round pick Ryan Conwell and third-year player Pelle Larsson.
The Heat had a preliminary discussion with the representation for free agent Bradley Beal but hasn’t pursued him vigorously. Miami and other teams pursuing James are in a holding pattern with free agent wing Demar DeRozan, who would become a real possibility for the Heat if James signs elsewhere.
The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reported Sunday that free agent guard Russell Westbrook is a possibility for the Heat if Miami doesn’t sign James. While nothing can be ruled out, the Heat has not been aggressively pursuing the nine-time NBA All-Star, who averaged 15.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 58 starts for the Sacramento Kings last season.
This and that
▪ Though agent Rich Paul said Friday that there’s no timetable on a decision from James, ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania said Monday afternoon that “it’s decision time” for James and “all the information is in.”
Charania identified the Cleveland Cavaliers, Heat, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves as the primary suitors.
Another sign that James’ free agent decision could be coming soon? He’s scheduled to appear on two live shows this week.
During Fanatics Fest NYC at the Javits Center in New York, James will join Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton on “Mind the Game Live” starting Thursday at 1:15 p.m. James will also be on “The Shop Live” with longtime business partner Maverick Carter and tennis star Novak Djokovic starting Friday at noon.
▪ The Heat has until 11:59 p.m. to rescind the two-way qualifying offer for center Vlad Goldin, who has started four of the Heat’s five summer league. As of 4 p.m. EST on Monday, the offer had not been rescinded.
▪ WPLG 10 will have live coverage of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s introductory Heat news conference at 3 p.m. Thursday from Kaseya Center. The Heat says its YouTube page also will air the news conference. There is no public introductory session for fans.
This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 4:09 PM.
