The Los Angeles Lakers still need shooting around Luka Doncic, but they may face competition from the Miami Heat for one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Miami has been frequently mentioned as a potential destination for Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, according to Christian Clark of The Athletic. The Heat are reportedly interested in adding the four-time NBA champion through a buyout, potentially using their remaining mid-level exception to place another shooter alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Klay Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks goes up for a shot past Maxwell Lewis of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center on Monday, March 24, 2025. (Jason Szenes) Jason Szenes / New York Post
Thompson, however, would also welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home.
The Lakers have not been directly linked to trade discussions with Dallas, but Thompson would be a natural target if he becomes available. Los Angeles needs dependable perimeter shooting after reshaping its roster around Doncic, and few players command more respect beyond the arc.
Los Angeles is confirmed to also be pursuing Jonathan Kuminga through a potential sign-and-trade, although the Timberwolves have emerged as a realistic threat to land the 23-year-old forward on a one-year deal.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the court during the third quarter of a game against the Brooklyn Nets at The Barclays Center on Monday, March 10, 2025. (Charles Wenzelberg) Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Thompson’s production declined last season, when he averaged career lows of 11.7 points and 21.7 minutes per game. The 36-year-old still connected on 38.3% of his 3-point attempts across 69 appearances, remaining valuable in a smaller role.
Dallas has explored Thompson’s trade market without finding a deal. He is owed approximately $17.5 million in the final year of his contract and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
A buyout would give Los Angeles and Miami a much cleaner path to signing him, but the Mavericks reportedly have little incentive to release Thompson. Dallas would prefer a trade, while Thompson would likely have to surrender a significant portion of his remaining salary to become a free agent.
Thompson may no longer be the two-way star who helped the Golden State Warriors win four championships, but his shooting would address an obvious weakness for either contender.
If Dallas eventually grants him a buyout, the Lakers could find themselves competing with the Heat to offer Thompson his preferred combination of role, money and championship opportunity.
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