Three Teams Eye Klay Thompson: Here's Who They Are

Klay Thompson's future with the Dallas Mavericks remains uncertain, with three teams emerging as potential destinations for the veteran sharpshooter.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors all have some level of interest in Thompson, as Dallas continues to explore the trade market.

Thompson is entering the final year of his $17.5 million contract.

However, Siegel reports that no in-depth trade discussions have taken place to date.

Among the interested teams, Miami appears to be the most motivated to acquire Thompson. Having already landed Giannis Antetokounmpo earlier in the offseason, the Heat are still looking for a scorer and perimeter shooter to complement their new superstar.

With Bradley Beal no longer available, Thompson has become Miami's primary remaining target.

However, financial complications exist. The Heat have approximately $10.6 million before hitting the first salary cap apron and still possess $8.9 million of their mid-level exception.

This makes a contract buyout the easiest path for Miami. If Thompson were to become a free agent, the Heat could offer him most, or even all, of their remaining mid-level exception.

But this scenario doesn't seem imminent.

According to Siegel, Thompson has not approached Dallas about a buyout, and the Mavericks currently have no interest in simply letting him walk. Instead, Dallas aims to leverage his expiring $17.5 million contract in a deal that would bring back valuable assets, potentially including a second-round draft pick.

The Lakers are another team that continues to monitor Thompson. Los Angeles pursued the five-time All-Star when he became a free agent in 2024 and was considered one of the finalists before Thompson ultimately chose Dallas.

The connection extends beyond basketball. Thompson was born in Los Angeles and has remained open to the possibility of returning to Southern California. His father, Mychal Thompson, spent five seasons with the Lakers and won two championships with the franchise.

A move to Los Angeles would reunite Thompson with Luka Doncic, after the two played together in Dallas.

A return to Golden State also remains a possibility under the right circumstances. According to Siegel, sources within the Warriors organization have indicated that Thompson would be welcomed "with open arms" if he could secure a buyout from the Mavs and become a free agent.

Thompson spent the first 13 seasons of his NBA career with Golden State, forming one half of the "Splash Brothers" alongside Steph Curry and helping the franchise secure four NBA championships.

However, the Warriors' interest appears to be contingent on Thompson becoming a free agent rather than acquiring him via trade.