The Miami Heat continue to view Klay Thompson as their preferred veteran addition amid uncertainty surrounding his future with the Dallas Mavericks, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Miami has explored other options, including Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan, but Thompson remains the organization’s top priority as it evaluates how to use its remaining roster spots.
Jackson reported that the Heat are prepared to be patient even though there is no indication Dallas intends to part ways with the 36-year-old guard. Thompson is entering the final season of the three-year contract he signed with the Mavericks and is owed $17.5 million in 2026-27, making a straightforward move to Miami difficult.
The Mavericks currently have little financial motivation to negotiate a buyout. Dallas finished the 2025-26 season 26-56, but remains well below the luxury tax line, meaning the franchise would likely only consider a buyout if Thompson agreed to surrender a significant portion of his remaining salary. NBA insider Marc Stein has also reported that Dallas is exploring trade possibilities rather than pursuing a buyout.
That leaves Miami waiting for a scenario that may never materialize.
According to Jackson, the Heat may ultimately need to use approximately $8 million in remaining exception money to help offset the salary Thompson would forfeit in a buyout agreement. The franchise has roughly $7-8 million in spending flexibility through its remaining exception, one of the few financial tools available after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis earlier this offseason.
The Heat have also maintained contact with Bradley Beal’s representatives, but Jackson reported that waiting on Thompson remained the preferred course of action through the end of the week.
DeRozan is another player under consideration, though Miami appears reluctant to rush into a commitment. Jackson reported that at least one Heat official favors remaining patient before using one of the team’s three open roster spots, while team president Pat Riley has emphasized that personnel decisions are made collectively throughout the organization.
That patience carries some risk. Jackson noted that DeRozan has interest in joining Miami but also has multiple suitors, including teams capable of offering exception money. As a result, the six-time All-Star is not expected to settle for a minimum contract or wait indefinitely for the Heat to make a decision.
