The Miami Heat are pursuing Dallas Mavericks veteran Klay Thompson, according to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Team sources told the newspaper that Miami wants the 36-year-old wing regardless of whether LeBron James returns for a second stint with the franchise. After acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier in the offseason, the Heat are seeking another tall perimeter scorer to bolster their rotation.
Thompson, listed at 6-5 and 220 pounds, ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list. Last season he played 69 games for Dallas but produced career lows of 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 21.7 minutes per contest. His 38.3% accuracy from beyond the arc exceeded the league average of 36.0%, yet marked the lowest long-range percentage of his career. He also posted personal lows on two-point attempts (41.8%) and overall field goals (39.3%).
Contract complicates potential move
Thompson is owed roughly $17.5 million in the final year of his contract. Unless he agrees to a buyout with Dallas, Miami would have to match salary in a trade. One scenario would send forward Nikola Jović to the Mavericks, but Dallas is reportedly reluctant to absorb the $62.4 million remaining on Jović’s four-year deal following a disappointing season.
NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that Dallas prefers a trade to a buyout and will explore deals before considering a separation agreement.
Other Heat offseason notes
- The Heat held an initial conversation with Bradley Beal’s agent but have not actively pursued the free-agent guard. Beal appeared in only six games last season because of a hip injury and declined a $5.6 million player option.
- Several teams targeting James view DeMar DeRozan as an alternative. If James signs elsewhere, Miami could move for the six-time All-Star, waived last week by Sacramento.
- Russell Westbrook remains a possibility if the Heat miss out on James, though the club has not made an aggressive push for the nine-time All-Star point guard.
Miami’s front office is expected to continue exploring options as the offseason progresses.
Source: HoopsRumors
