Heat, Lakers reportedly in bidding war for $50M four-time NBA champion, generational shooter

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Heat, Lakers reportedly in bidding war for $50M four-time NBA champion, generational shooter originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Heat are looking to add another elite shooter to pair with Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Former Warriors champion Klay Thompson has recently emerged as one of Miami's top targets.

The Heat made a major splash by acquiring Antetokounmpo, but they still need more floor spacing around their stars. That is one of the biggest reasons Thompson has become such a priority.

“Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, a five-time All Star and the fourth-most prolific three-point shooter in NBA history, has emerged as a player of strong interest to the Miami Heat, multiple sources said in recent days. The Heat has interest in adding Thompson whether LeBron James joins the Heat or not, a source said,” Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson wrote.

Not only are the Heat interested in Thompson, but he has become their top priority as the offseason continues.

“They hope not. The Miami Heat's number one priority right now is to acquire shooting. And they found their No. 1 target for that...Klay Thompson. The problem is Klay Thompson has one year left on his Mavs contract so they're exploring whether they can trade for him, whether this could end up in a buyout, we'll see over the next several weeks," ESPN's Shams Charania said.

While it initially appeared that Miami was leading the pursuit, the Los Angeles Lakers have now entered the mix.

“My understanding is that Thompson would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home. The Miami Heat are another team frequently mentioned in NBA circles as a potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer,” The Athletic’s Christian Clark wrote.

Adding a veteran with Thompson's résumé would be a significant boost for the Lakers. Even if he only spends one season in Los Angeles, the four-time NBA champion would have the opportunity to play for the franchise he grew up around.

Thompson is currently on a $50 million contract if he is acquired via trade. The Lakers will likely explore every possible avenue to land Thompson, and the pursuit of one of the greatest shooters in NBA history has suddenly become much more intriguing.

More NBA news:

• Lakers linked to ex-Warriors $298M generational shooter, 4-time NBA champion, son of Lakers legend​

• Heat predicted to trade Nikola Jovic for $298M generational shooter, NBA champion in 3-team deal​

• Heat reportedly in talks with $645M veteran duo to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo​

• Lakers insider drops brutal ex-Warriors champion Jonathan Kuminga warning as $45M decision looms​

Continue reading...