Heat predicted to trade former first-rounder for Mavericks' generational $50M 4-time NBA champion

The Miami Heat are emerging as a potential trade destination for Klay Thompson as Dallas weighs options for the veteran. The Dallas Mavericks have been evaluating whether to trade Thompson or buy out his contract, after bringing him in to play alongside Luka Dončić—only for that partnership to last one season before Dončić was traded. A key complication is that Thompson is still set to earn $17.5 million next season, which could limit market interest. According to multiple sources cited, the Heat have interest in acquiring Thompson whether or not LeBron James joins Miami. One proposed framework from Sports Illustrated’s Austin Veazey suggests Miami receiving Thompson, while Dallas receives Nikola Jović and a future 2029 first-round pick swap. Jović is on a four-year, $64 million extension starting this year and has averaged 7.3 points with 26.9% shooting from three. The article also notes Thompson would play the final year of his $50 million contract if traded.