Miami reportedly wants Klay Thompson, whether LeBron James joins the Heat or not. That interest gives Dallas leverage as trade talks continue.
The Miami Herald reported that Klay Thompson has emerged as a player of strong interest to the Miami Heat, according to multiple sources. Reporters Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang added a detail that matters more than the interest itself. Miami wants Thompson regardless of where LeBron James ends up this summer.
The Heat are widely viewed as a LeBron destination and if that pursuit were driving their search for shooting, Dallas would have little leverage. It is not. Miami wants Thompson either way.
The fit is obvious. Pat Riley acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo to pair with Bam Adebayo and that frontcourt needs floor spacing. The Heat already signed former Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one year, $6.5 million contract with shooting in mind.
Thompson is 36 and coming off a down season, but he still shot 38.3% from 3 point range while averaging 11.7 points per game. He is also a four time NBA champion who has played in six NBA Finals. Riley has built contenders around players with that pedigree before.
His $17.5 million expiring contract adds to his value. Miami takes on a one year commitment without creating a long term financial burden.
Marc Stein reported earlier this summer that the Mavericks would rather trade Thompson than buy out his contract. Miami's interest helps explain why. A buyout leaves Dallas with nothing. A trade with a motivated team brings back assets.
Masai Ujiri should not move Thompson simply because Miami called.
Nikola Jovic is the most intriguing target. The 23 year old forward averaged 7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 47 games last season while shooting 26.9% from 3 point range after hitting 37.0% across his first three seasons. His value has dropped, which gives Dallas a chance to buy low. He is 6 foot 10, under contract through the 2029-30 season and buried in a Miami frontcourt that now features Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.
Dallas already has depth at forward, which weakens the fit. Even so, Ujiri has consistently valued young, versatile players around Cooper Flagg. Jovic checks those boxes and still offers long term upside.
Davion Mitchell is the safer target. He signed a two year, $24 million contract with Miami last summer that runs through the 2026-27 season. Mitchell started all 70 games he played last season, averaging 9.3 points, 6.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 49.0% from the field and 39.5% from 3 point range. He would give Dallas another reliable point of attack defender behind Kyrie Irving and Marcus Sasser, while adding another capable ball handler to the rotation.
