As Klay Thompson’s future hangs in the balance and Steph Curry’s legendary Golden State tenure nears its end, the Miami Heat weigh high-stakes trades and financial hurdles to reload.
MIAMI, Fla. – In the latest episode of the HeatWave Podcast, part of the Roundtable Sports Network, Miami Heat beat writer Anthony Aguirre dove into a couple of topics since LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The first half of the show was about Klay Thompson. According to the Miami Herald, he’s a priority for the Heat to add to the roster. Thompson is one of the league’s most prolific shooters and can still be effective. Despite coming off a career-worst season – 11.7 points on 38.3 percent shooting from behind the arc – it’s not entirely on him.
Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks a couple of summers ago. He was set on playing next to superstar Luka Doncic until Nico Harrison pulled the biggest stunt arguably in NBA history – trading him to the Los Angeles Lakers. Afterwards, everything has been out of whack for Thompson and the rest of the organization.
The five-time All-Star will turn 37 years old during the 2026-27 season. Despite suffering back-to-back major injuries – torn ACL (2019) and ruptured Achilles (2020) – it hasn’t severely affected Thompson’s impact. The main issue for the Heat is that he’s still under contract for the upcoming season.
A buyout has been rumored, but not confirmed to happen soon. Trading is another option, but the Heat would likely have to give up Nikola Jovic in a potential deal. Despite the health issues, he still has a ton of upside. A buyout should be the only pathway for Thompson to join the Heat’s roster.
The second half of the HeatWave Podcast was about Steph Curry. He’s currently on an expiring contract and appears set on entering free agency next summer. In today’s NBA, it’s almost unheard of for a player to stay with one franchise. Curry has been with the Warriors for 17 years, but a closing to a meaningful chapter could be on the horizon.
After missing out on James, the seven-time All-Star doesn’t have many opportunities left to chase a fifth title. Despite Curry’s historic greatness, the Heat shouldn’t be aggressive in pursuing him. The franchise already acquired an older superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Financially, the Heat are unable to meet Curry’s price unless he’s willing to sign a veteran minimum contract as James did.
This was the latest from the HeatWave Podcast, part of the Roundtable Sports Network. Make sure to leave a like, comment, and subscribe to the show.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
