The Miami Heat are looking to put together one of the best offseasons in the NBA. It started with the blockbuster acquisition of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, a move that reshaped the league’s landscape.
Now, Miami is trying to bring LeBron James back to South Beach for one final run at an NBA championship. Heat president Pat Riley recently provided an update on the organization’s pursuit of James.
“To be transparent about it, we’ve had discussions over a week ago, maybe a week before that about it. But right now, I think we’re like everybody else. Just waiting to see what he does,” Riley told the media.
However, it appears the Heat are exploring other ways to improve the roster as well. Miami is reportedly interested in bringing Klay Thompson to South Beach to strengthen its perimeter shooting.
“If the Mavericks don’t find a trade for Klay Thompson, his representation will likely request a buyout. There appears to be mutual interest between the Heat and Thompson, who could maximize his shooting alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, plus potentially LeBron James,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
For now, Thompson is hoping the Dallas Mavericks can find a trade partner before the buyout market becomes an option. The biggest hurdle is his contract, as he is still owed more than $17 million if he is traded.
“Thompson should be angling for a trade to a desirable destination rather than a buyout, albeit he holds less control in the former scenario. The complicated aspect is the 4x NBA champion is still set to make $17.5 million next season, and there might not be too many teams eager on him at that price point,” Blue Man Hoops’ Peter O’Keefe wrote.
Even with that financial commitment, the Heat could be willing to take on Thompson’s contract to further strengthen a championship-caliber roster, especially if they are able to land James. Thompson’s elite shooting would make him an ideal fit alongside Miami’s star core.
Thompson has earned more than $298 million in NBA contracts throughout his career. If the Heat choose to pursue him aggressively, adding one of the greatest shooters in league history could make them an even stronger championship contender.
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