Why Klay Thompson could be heading to Miami with LeBron James in the mix

The Miami Heat are actively searching for veteran talent to upgrade their roster for a championship run. Front office executives want to add experienced perimeter pieces to build a balanced lineup around their frontcourt star duo.

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Miami Heat target Klay Thompson and LeBron James

The Heat are pursuing Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson to fix their outside shooting deficiencies. Team officials want his outside scoring threat to space the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. 

The Miami Heat are interested in adding Klay Thompson and LeBron James, per @MiamiHerald pic.twitter.com/G8zk47uca7

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 13, 2026

Miami can get Thompson through a trade involving Nikola Jovic, or by signing him if Dallas buys out his contract. The Heat can use part of their $6.064 million mid-level exception money to pay him if he becomes a free agent. 

Team management views Thompson as a good fit because of his size and his ability to shoot open driving lanes for their star players.

At the same time, Miami is waiting for free agent LeBron James to make his final career decision. Team sources state that Miami wants Thompson even if James decides to sign with another franchise. 

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James is looking for a winning team culture rather than a maximum financial payout, making a Miami return possible. If James chooses Miami, he will likely sign for the veteran minimum salary or a small team exception. 

If James goes elsewhere, Miami plans to use its resources to target other available veteran scorers like DeMar DeRozan.

The front office wants to maximize its winning window while Antetokounmpo and Adebayo are in their primes. Adding Thompson gives Miami a proven four-time champion who knows how to play next to dominant inside scoring stars. 

This dual pursuit shows that Miami wants to build a deep, versatile roster capable of competing for a title immediately.

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