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The Florida-based team recently emerged as a serious contender to acquire Klay Thompson, but any move for the former superstar hinges on one crucial scenario.
According to the latest information from Bleacher Report, well-informed NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that the Heat would only pursue Thompson if he and the Dallas Mavericks agree to a contract buyout.
"The Heat are keeping an eye on Klay Thompson. However, I believe – and I've been told – that this scenario would only be possible if Dallas and Klay Thompson reach an agreement on a contract buyout," Fischer stated.
Per Fischer, there are currently no indications that Thompson and the Mavs are even considering a buyout option.
Will Klay agree to a buyout with the Mavs to join the Heat?
Thompson is entering the final year of a three-year, $50 million contract, meaning he will earn $17.4 million in the upcoming 2026/27 season before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
He signed this contract in 2024 after leaving the Golden State Warriors to contend for a championship alongside Luka Dončić. However, he soon faced a harsh reality following a shocking trade that sent the Slovenian superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 21.7 minutes per game, shooting 38.3% from three-point range over 69 games.
It could be extremely difficult for Thompson to forgo the substantial salary awaiting him in the final year of his contract with the Mavs. However, if he genuinely wants to contend for a title – which was his original intention when signing with Dallas – he might need to consider a buyout and then join Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in Miami.
The Heat have a severely limited salary cap and can realistically offer Thompson significantly less money compared to what he would earn next season in Dallas. Nevertheless, the chance to win his fifth NBA ring could be a compelling enough motivation for this future Hall of Famer to make a major financial decision.
Time will tell if Thompson seeks a split with the Mavs, but Miami will undoubtedly be first in line to pursue him the moment he becomes available on the market.
"I think, besides Miami, many teams would be interested in Klay Thompson if he becomes available on the market after a buyout. But again, at this moment, no one is overly keen to trade for Klay with that salary figure," Fischer concluded.
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