RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 16, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Kaseya Center on July 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 21: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings walks to the bench during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Getty
The Miami Heat has begun pivoting after falling short in the LeBron James sweepstakes.
James, 41, chose the conference rival Philadelphia 76ers after a nearly monthlong free agency, only adding to the sting. But the good news is that the Heat, already with Giannis Antetokounmpo in tow, have options, one of them being sharpshooting Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson.
According to team insider Barry Jackson, the Heat is seriously targeting Thompson to help add more shooting around Antetokounmpo.
âThompson remains the Heat priority, even though thereâs no indication when or if he will shake free from Dallas,â Jackson wrote for the Miami Herald. âThe Mavericks, well below the luxury tax line, have no particular financial incentive to dump Thompson â whoâs owed $17.5 million in the final year of a three-year contract â unless heâs willing to take a significant pay cut on a buyout. The Heat might end up needing that $8 million in exception money to bridge the gap with what he would be losing by taking a buyout with Dallas.â
Miami Heat Looking to Build Out Roster Around Giannis Antetokounmpo
Getty MIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Kaseya Center on July 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
With the James dream over, the Heat are left with no other option but to gauge the free agent market for veteran stars. Although Thompson is not on the open market, the Heat is hoping the four-time NBA champion reaches a buyout with the Mavs, allowing Miami to directly sign him to a team-friendly deal.
âLongtime NBA reporter Marc Stein has said Dallas prefers to trade him than buy him out, and thereâs no viable trade option with the Heat that has come to light,â Jackson wrote. âMiamiâs continued interest in Thompson could be based on optimism that he will become available, but thatâs unclear.â
For now, it appears the Mavs â who landed Thompson as a free agent in 2024 â intend to retain the five-time All-Star unless attractive trade offers come calling.
The Heat, already with a light asset clip, donât have much to offer outside of Nikola Jovic and a couple of distant draft picks. Although Jovic is a young developmental player, teams may be hesitant to take on his north of $60 million contract that he inked before the start of the 2025-26 season.Â
With Dallas aiming to get younger, there is a chance the franchise lets Thompson loose, but as Jackson notes, there are no signs of that as of yet.
Miami in the Market for Two More Former All-Stars
Getty SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings walks to the bench during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Heat has more players on its radar. DeMar DeRozan and Bradley Beal, two players long-linked to the franchise, are looking to land on a contending team, with the Heat believed to be the top suitor for both free agents.
âIn conversations around the league, the Heat are viewed as the top landing spot for both DeRozan and Beal, with rival teams believing Miami has a strong chance to sign both veterans,â reported NBA insider Siegel. âWhether or not the Heat would want to add both former All-Stars using the remainder of their MLE is the question at large.â
Miami has accomplished something this offseason few teams ever do â acquiring a top five player in the league. The Heat has Antetokounmpo, the 31-year-old two-time MVP, but needs to work diligently to fill out the roster around their superstar.Â
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