Spoelstra's Stubbornness Pays Off: He Kept Jović and Landed Klay

Pulse Sports Team 21:31 - 21 August 2026

The Miami Heat stood firm in their resolve, ultimately acquiring Klay Thompson as a free agent, despite intense efforts from the Dallas Mavericks to secure a trade that would have sent Serbian international Nikola Jović to Dallas in exchange for the younger "Splash Brother."

All summer, the Miami Heat pursued Klay Thompson, and all summer, the Dallas Mavericks countered by demanding Serbian basketball player Nikola Jović in return. However, according to the ever-reliable Shams Charania, that saga has now concluded. Miami's front office and coaching staff stood firm in their resolve to keep Jović, and Dallas, unable to secure a trade, reluctantly agreed to a mutual termination of Thompson's contract.

Thompson, it's worth remembering, joined Dallas in 2024, signing a three-year, $50 million deal. He was set to earn around $17.5 million next season but opted out of the third year of his contract to move to Miami. As he stated in previous interviews, he's eager to contend for a championship once more. And where better to vie for a title than on a team featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Nikola Jović?

I want to fight for a title – not necessarily to win it, but to have a chance to try. I want a role on a team that can go deep in the playoffs. Whether it's this season or next, that's my only goal.Klay Thompson

If Miami's stubbornness in this situation is any indication, it appears Jović could finally (re)gain a more significant role in Erik Spoelstra's system next season. Although he and Spoelstra had some disagreements last season, which led to Jović being benched, it seems they've ironed out their differences, and the legendary Heat coach is seriously counting on the Serbian forward.

As for Klay, his story is largely well-known. Before arriving in Dallas, he spent 11 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, winning four NBA championships.