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Mavs reportedly clarify Klay Thompson stance amid Lakers, Heat interest originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The trade rumors around Klay Thompson grew loud enough this summer that the Dallas Mavericks finally addressed them. Early on, reporter Tomer Azarly linked him to the Lakers and the Miami Heat popped up in rumors shortly after.
As speculation kept growing, NBA insider Brett Siegel checked with his sources about the Mavericks' actual plans. His sources confirmed that Thompson and the Mavericks are not discussing a buyout. Dallas is willing to trade him, but as of August 8, a buyout is off the table.
Siegel tweeted, "Amid speculation and people asking, Klay Thompson and the Mavs are not currently negotiating a buyout, sources confirmed to @ClutchPoints. The Mavs are open to trading Thompson, but there have not been active discussions as of today between the two sides on a buyout."
A buyout would let Thompson walk and choose his next team freely, which works for a contender like the Lakers or Heat but gets Dallas nothing in return. Thompson, 36, is on a $17.46 million expiring contract. Even at this stage of his career, a four-time champion who can space the floor still has real trade value. Dallas knows this.
The Mavs sit below the luxury tax line, with over $22.2 million in breathing room before hitting the strict second apron. Due to this financial flexibility, they are in a great position to flip his salary for a useful player or draft asset rather than just cutting him.
For the Lakers, who are in a win-now window around Luka Doncic, Thompson's floor spacing is a clear need. Shooting is a massive priority in JJ Redick's system. The Heat’s interest follows the same logic. They want an experienced wing with a playoff background who can hit corner threes on a short-term deal.
Contenders will always value one of the greatest shooters in league history. Thompson also proved he has the tools at 36, recently knocking down 72 back-to-back three-pointers in a workout video that went viral online. Plus, he has already made 2,899 career threes at a 40.9% rate.
Whether a deal happens before training camp is another story. The Lakers could be a realistic option, but fans aren't excited about bringing Thompson in given his recent career decline.
On top of that, it is incredibly difficult to find a deal where the Lakers can send out enough matching veteran contracts to balance the trade. So for now, a trade is still on the table and Thompson remains a Maverick until Dallas finds a deal worth making.
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