You Know He Wants To Compete for a Championship’ — East Contender Among ‘Several Teams Monitoring’ Klay Thompson’s Situation

Mar 30, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) looks on from the bench during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Klay Thompson’s future with the Dallas Mavericks has become a hot topic around the NBA. After a series of major roster changes in Dallas, speculation continues to grow that the four-time NBA champion could be on the move.

Now, a new report says the Miami Heat are among several contenders keeping a close eye on Thompson’s situation as they wait to see whether he becomes available.

Miami Heat Among Teams Monitoring Klay Thompson’s Situation

According to ESPN insider Shams Charania on NBA Today, several championship contenders are closely monitoring Thompson’s status in Dallas.

“I am told the Heat are among several championship-contending teams that are monitoring Klay Thompson’s situation and have interest in Klay Thompson, potentially via trade or a buyout. Klay Thompson is in the final year of his deal. You know he wants to compete for a championship as a four-time title winner.”

Thompson joined the Mavericks in July 2024 through a three-year, $50 million sign-and-trade deal, ending his legendary 13-year run with the Golden State Warriors.

As one half of the iconic “Splash Brothers” alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson helped Golden State win four NBA championships while earning five All-Star selections.

At the time, Dallas appeared to offer Thompson another legitimate shot at a title alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

That situation has changed dramatically.

Dončić is now with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Mavericks have shifted toward building around younger talent, including Cooper Flagg. The team’s wing rotation has also become crowded, with P.J. Washington, Zaccharie Risacher, Naji Marshall, and Max Christie all capable of playing there.

With Thompson entering the final year of his contract, some around the league believe the Mavs could eventually explore moving him if the right opportunity arises. His expiring contract could also prove valuable in a larger trade package.

For now, however, there has been no indication that a departure is imminent.

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel recently reported that Thompson has not approached the Mavericks about a buyout. The report added that Dallas has little incentive to release the veteran unless he agrees to a significant pay cut.

That hasn’t stopped rival teams from paying attention.

Miami has consistently been linked to Thompson throughout the offseason. The Heat are looking to improve their perimeter shooting around their star frontcourt of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, and Thompson’s reputation as one of the NBA’s greatest shooters makes him an appealing fit.

Even at this stage of his career, his ability to stretch the floor and create spacing remains valuable for teams with championship aspirations.

Last season, Thompson primarily came off the bench for the Mavs, averaging 11.7 points in 21.7 minutes per game. While those numbers were below his All-Star peak, he continued to provide outside shooting and veteran leadership.

Because Thompson still has one season remaining on his contract, interested teams would likely need to acquire him via trade unless Dallas eventually agrees to a buyout.

Several contenders reportedly prefer the latter scenario, as it would allow them to pursue the veteran without giving up players or draft assets.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →