Heat get brutal ex-Warriors champion Klay Thompson trade update after missing on Bradley Beal

The Miami Heat are trying to put together a major offseason even after making a blockbuster trade for former Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami has spent much of the summer pursuing veterans who can help round out its roster, including Bradley Beal.

The Heat missed out on Beal on Thursday after staying in contact with the veteran guard throughout free agency. Beal ultimately decided to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Free agent guard Bradley Beal has agreed to a two-year, $13.2 million deal to return to the LA Clippers, his representative, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, told ESPN on Thursday night. The deal includes a player option in the second season,” ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote.

Now, it appears the Heat could turn their attention toward four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson. Thompson remains in an uncertain situation with the Dallas Mavericks, who are reportedly exploring ways to move on from the veteran sharpshooter. Miami had been hoping Thompson would eventually become available through a buyout.

“The Heat and Lakers continue to await a buyout for Klay Thompson. The Mavericks hold little interest in taking on Nikola Jovic or Jarred Vanderbilt's contracts in potential trade talks with either team. Both teams would likely offer Thompson an immediate starting opportunity," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

However, Dallas does not appear interested in pursuing a buyout with Thompson. At the same time, Miami does not want to give up Nikola Jović in a trade, leaving the situation at a standstill.

“The Mavericks do not hold interest in buying Thompson out and want to utilize his expiring contract to add something of value, whether it be second-round draft assets or something else. Even though the Heat could get creative with a trade offer revolving around 23-year-old forward Nikola Jovic, this doesn't appear to be a scenario Miami wants to see play out,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote.

The Heat were hoping Thompson would eventually hit the buyout market, but interest from other teams has given Dallas more incentive to pursue a trade. With the Mavericks looking to extract value from Thompson's expiring contract, Miami may have to get creative if it wants to acquire him.

That could be a problem for the Heat. Miami does not appear willing to sacrifice Jović simply to complete a trade for Thompson, while Dallas has little reason to buy him out when it believes it can potentially receive assets in return.

Thompson would still be an ideal fit for what Miami needs. He is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, and the Heat desperately need that type of player alongside Antetokounmpo. For now, however, the Heat and Mavericks appear to be at an impasse.

More NBA news: