The Miami Heat’s interest in Klay Thompson appears to be much stronger than casual monitoring.
According to Marc Stein, Miami remains highly interested in the 36-year-old sharpshooter as the Dallas Mavericks continue evaluating his future. The complication is that the two organizations currently appear to prefer very different paths toward a possible separation.
Dallas would still rather trade Thompson than buy him out, Stein reported. Miami, meanwhile, would prefer to wait for Thompson to become a free agent rather than surrender assets or take on his full salary in a trade. Other teams are also expected to pursue him if he reaches the open market.
“Miami is desperate for Klay Thompson,” Stein said, while stressing that the Heat’s preferred route is a free-agent signing.
The Miami Heat are DESPERATE for Klay Thompson, per @TheSteinLine
“To this point the Mavs position has not changed. They would prefer to trade him (Klay Thompson). — All we know is, Miami is desperate for Klay Thompson but they want to sign him as a free agent. They would not… https://t.co/tBVI9LI9Uo pic.twitter.com/CrnYbqBD4e
— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) August 17, 2026
That creates a waiting game.
Thompson is entering the final season of the three-year deal he signed when he left Golden State for Dallas in 2024. He is owed approximately $17.5 million for 2026-27, which gives the Mavericks little incentive to simply release him without first exploring whether another team is willing to offer something in return.
For Miami, the appeal is obvious.
Even at this stage of his career, Thompson remains one of the most accomplished shooters in NBA history and brings four championships’ worth of postseason experience. His ability to operate without the ball and stretch defenses would make him an attractive veteran addition for a team searching for more perimeter shooting. Miami’s interest has been reported consistently throughout the offseason, with Thompson described as one of the organization’s priorities should he become available outside of a trade.
The financial difference between the two routes is significant.
Trading for Thompson would require Miami to construct a legal salary match and potentially send something of value back to Dallas. A buyout, by contrast, could allow the Heat to pursue him with an exception or another available free-agent mechanism while preserving more of their existing roster and assets.
That is precisely why Dallas has reason to remain patient.
If multiple contenders are waiting for Thompson to hit free agency, the Mavericks can continue testing whether one of those teams eventually becomes willing to trade for him rather than risk losing out entirely. Reports have also connected the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and other contenders to Thompson if he becomes available, meaning Miami would not have a clear path to him even after a buyout.
