Heat give 4x NBA champion Klay Thompson $8M contract update amid potential Mavericks buyout

The Miami Heat are trying to salvage an offseason that quickly got away from them, even after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade. Miami has struggled to land several of the free-agent targets it has pursued.

At this point, the Heat’s options are dwindling. The good news is that Klay Thompson is still available, and Miami remains a potential destination for the four-time NBA champion.

“My understanding is that Thompson would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home. The Miami Heat are another team frequently mentioned in NBA circles as a potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer," The Athletic's Christian Clark wrote.

The Heat have been interested in Thompson for the past month, but the situation remains complicated because of how the Dallas Mavericks are handling his contract. The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer believes Miami is desperate to land the four-time NBA champion.

“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 be the only team interested," Fischer said.

It is now a matter of determining what Thompson could be worth if the Mavericks ultimately agree to buy him out. Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson believes the Heat could give Thompson an $8 million contract if he reaches the buyout market.

“The Mavericks have 16 players with guaranteed contracts and are expected to discuss a buyout with Thompson, who’s due $17.5 million next season, if they remain unable to trade him. The Heat would prefer to acquire him via a buyout than a trade. Miami could pay Thompson $8 million of its midlevel exception to supplement whatever potential buyout he takes from Dallas,” Jackson wrote.

Thompson is exactly what Miami needs, as the Heat already have players who can attack the rim in Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo. What they have lacked is a proven perimeter shooter, and that is what the five-time All-Star has been known for throughout his career.

There is no doubt that Miami could be one of the most attractive destinations for Thompson at this point in his career. For now, it appears the Heat could be battling the Los Angeles Lakers if Thompson ultimately becomes available.

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