Lakers, Miami Heat get fiery message from four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson amid interest

This has been an interesting summer for Klay Thompson, to say the least, as he and the Dallas Mavericks figure out what comes next. With the Mavericks under new management, it was never a guarantee that Thompson would suit up for Dallas this season.

Thompson could very well be traded before the season begins, as several teams have shown interest in the veteran sharpshooter. Among the teams that could make sense for Thompson are the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.

“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.

Both teams have significant interest in the four-time NBA champion. That trade interest is one reason the Mavericks reportedly have no plans to pursue a buyout with Thompson.

“To this point Dallas has not been looking to find a buyout agreement with Klay Thompson…the Mavericks have been very hesitant, to my understanding, of actually moving forward and agreeing to a buyout with Klay Thompson," The Stein Line’s JakeFischer said. "This market that is shaping up for him, the fact that there is some L.A. interest, the fact that there is Miami interest, there's probably other teams that have interest in Klay Thompson as well.”

Recently, Thompson was asked about the type of team he wants to join. He made it clear that he wants to play for a championship-caliber team.

“I want to compete for a Championship, not necessarily win one, but just have the chance to go and try and get another one… I want to play a role on a team that I want to make a deep playoff run,” Thompson said.

Even at this stage of his career, Thompson still wants to compete at the highest level. That should have both the Lakers and Heat feeling encouraged, as both teams have positioned themselves to compete after making significant moves this offseason.

Thompson has already won four NBA championships, but he wants the opportunity to win another before calling it a career. His desire to make another deep playoff run could make him even more appealing to the Lakers and Heat, especially if either team can put together a trade that brings the veteran sharpshooter aboard.

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