The Miami Heat are in the market for another big name.
After two disappointing seasons in Dallas, Klay Thompson could get one more shot to play for a contender.
The Mavericks are reportedly interested in parting ways with the 36-year-old — via trade or buyout, according to NBA insider Marc Stein — and the Heat reportedly have interest in seeing Thompson “shake free,” allowing them to add one of the league’s all-time shooters to a frontcourt-heavy, win-now lineup, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, which desperately needs players who can create spacing.
“To this point, as much has been relayed to me is, the Mavs’ preference would be a trade,” Stein said on the Bleacher Report stream. “I think it’s still early enough in the summer that if you’re the Mavs, you would exhaust those options first, but there’s stuff we have to keep an eye on it.”
After winning four titles and receiving five All-Star Game selections in 13 years with Golden State, Thompson — who missed two full seasons earlier this decade with injuries — is now essentially limited to nothing more than a perimeter threat.
Last season, Thompson had the worst campaign of his career, coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie year.
He shot a career-low 39.3 percent from the field (38.3 percent on 3-pointers), while averaging 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
Thompson is scheduled to earn $17.5 million in the final year of his contract.
His off-the-court life has also experienced some recent turbulence, with his ex, rapper Megan Thee Stallion, accusing him of cheating.
“I’ve made the decision to end my relationship with Klay. Trust, fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those values are compromised, there’s no real path forward,” she told Page Six in April. “I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity.”
