The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are reportedly among the teams interested in acquiring veteran shooter Klay Thompson. Thompson, a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, is facing an uncertain future with the Dallas Mavericks, according to Christian Clark of The Athletic.
The Lakers are seeking to bolster their perimeter shooting around Luka Doncic. Thompson, known for his sharpshooting, could fill that void. He would also welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he has childhood ties and owns a home.
Miami has also been mentioned as a potential destination for Thompson. The Heat are reportedly considering adding him through a buyout, possibly using their remaining mid-level exception to enhance their shooting alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Thompson's production saw a dip last season, with career lows in points per game (11.7) and minutes played (21.7) over 69 appearances. However, he maintained a 38.3% three-point shooting percentage, indicating his continued value in a reduced role.
The Mavericks have explored trade options for Thompson but have not yet found a suitable deal. He is under contract for approximately $17.5 million in the final year and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. A buyout would offer a more direct path for teams like the Lakers and Heat to sign him, but reports suggest Dallas has little incentive to release him and would prefer a trade. For Thompson to pursue a buyout, he would likely need to forfeit a significant portion of his remaining salary.
While Thompson may no longer be the dominant two-way player who contributed to four Warriors championships, his shooting ability remains a significant asset that addresses a clear need for both the Lakers and the Heat. If a buyout becomes a possibility, the Lakers could find themselves in direct competition with Miami for his services, vying for his preferred combination of role, financial terms, and championship contention.