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More personnel moves are coming to the Dallas Mavericks.
They're already over the NBA's allotted roster limit, as the Mavericks boast 16 players on standard contracts ... one more than they're allowed.
But league rules aren't the only reason team president Masai Ujiri isn't done. Due to a stellar offseason blueprint, some 2025-26 carry-over pieces no longer present the greatest fits.
Of those likeliest to depart: Klay Thompson.
While there's been plenty of buzz surrounding "where" Thompson ends up, the matter of "how" the veteran sniper would find himself on a new team is yet to be confirmed.
The Miami Heat are eyeing Thompson as a complimentary shooter alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo ... and after watching Norman Powell head to the Chicago Bulls, Thompson would provide some much-needed floor spacing.
Though he'd be the perfect Powell replacement for perimeter-hungry Heat, Miami is in no rush to acquire the 36-year-old. Or at least that's how things seem.
READ MORE: Mavs 'A+' Offseason Reset Receives National Recognition
"It appears that the Heat will remain patient in filling out the rest of its roster to give Thompson time to possibly shake free through a buyout agreement," wrote Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
From Miami's perspective, that's the dream scenario.
Pat Riley can reassess the free agent and trade markets, allowing Thompson — and any other potential buyout candidate — the time needed to work out agreements with their current franchises so they can be free to wear a Heat jersey come training camp.
The only issue with this perfect gameplan is ....
Dallas would need a compelling reason to grant Thompson a buyout, and simply helping Miami isn't one.
READ MORE: Vegas Is Betting Against the Mavs' Biggest Advantage
The Mavericks have already paid Thompson $32.5 million during his tenure. He's due another $17.4 before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Tthe lack of years on his deal sacrifices some of Dallas' leverage, but he's still too valuable due to his contract and presence to just cut him loose for nothing.
What are the odds Miami is the only hopeful contender who'd welcome a player like Thompson? They can't be very high.
He'd have other suitors ... more importantly, though, they'd be ones willing to compensate the Mavericks.
The desperate Golden State Warriors immediately come to mind as a factor that could force the Heat to become a bit more "proactive" when it comes to its Thompson pursuit.
ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reported that a "hard to envision" scenario where Thompson returns to the Bay Area was a "hot topic" being discussed during NBA Summer League.
If the Heat want Thompson, patience may not be enough.
Unless Dallas suddenly decides to do Miami a favor, a trade — not a buyout — still appears to be the more realistic path.
Continue reading...
They're already over the NBA's allotted roster limit, as the Mavericks boast 16 players on standard contracts ... one more than they're allowed.
But league rules aren't the only reason team president Masai Ujiri isn't done. Due to a stellar offseason blueprint, some 2025-26 carry-over pieces no longer present the greatest fits.
Of those likeliest to depart: Klay Thompson.
While there's been plenty of buzz surrounding "where" Thompson ends up, the matter of "how" the veteran sniper would find himself on a new team is yet to be confirmed.
The Miami Heat are eyeing Thompson as a complimentary shooter alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo ... and after watching Norman Powell head to the Chicago Bulls, Thompson would provide some much-needed floor spacing.
Though he'd be the perfect Powell replacement for perimeter-hungry Heat, Miami is in no rush to acquire the 36-year-old. Or at least that's how things seem.
READ MORE: Mavs 'A+' Offseason Reset Receives National Recognition
"It appears that the Heat will remain patient in filling out the rest of its roster to give Thompson time to possibly shake free through a buyout agreement," wrote Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
From Miami's perspective, that's the dream scenario.
Pat Riley can reassess the free agent and trade markets, allowing Thompson — and any other potential buyout candidate — the time needed to work out agreements with their current franchises so they can be free to wear a Heat jersey come training camp.
The only issue with this perfect gameplan is ....
Dallas would need a compelling reason to grant Thompson a buyout, and simply helping Miami isn't one.
READ MORE: Vegas Is Betting Against the Mavs' Biggest Advantage
The Mavericks have already paid Thompson $32.5 million during his tenure. He's due another $17.4 before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Tthe lack of years on his deal sacrifices some of Dallas' leverage, but he's still too valuable due to his contract and presence to just cut him loose for nothing.
What are the odds Miami is the only hopeful contender who'd welcome a player like Thompson? They can't be very high.
He'd have other suitors ... more importantly, though, they'd be ones willing to compensate the Mavericks.
The desperate Golden State Warriors immediately come to mind as a factor that could force the Heat to become a bit more "proactive" when it comes to its Thompson pursuit.
ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reported that a "hard to envision" scenario where Thompson returns to the Bay Area was a "hot topic" being discussed during NBA Summer League.
If the Heat want Thompson, patience may not be enough.
Unless Dallas suddenly decides to do Miami a favor, a trade — not a buyout — still appears to be the more realistic path.
Continue reading...
