The Miami Heat’s unwillingness to move Nikola Jovic in a trade for Klay Thompson could eventually swing the door open for the Golden State Warriors to reunite with the veteran sharpshooter.
The Heat remain in strong pursuit of Thompson to add much-needed spacing around the new star duo of Giannis Antetokunmpo and Bam Adebayo, but are reportedly reluctant to part ways with Jovic despite being an obvious salary match in a trade for the five-time All-Star.
Heat risk gifting Warriors a chance at Klay Thompson reunion
Jovic is starting a four-year, $62.4 million contract which doesn’t appear great value given he averaged just 17 minutes with the Heat last season, including recording a number of DNPs late in the season as Erik Spoelsta went away from the 23-year-old forward.
It makes Miami’s stance on Jovic’s part in a potential Thompson trade all the more peculiar. The former Warrior might be more beneficial to the Heat given their needs this upcoming season, while parting with Jovic would also cut down questionable long-term salary. Nevertheless, the Heat are adamant on keeping Jovic out of discussions according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints on Friday.
"Jovic is a young talent the Heat have coveted since drafting him 27th overall in 2022, and he is one of the team's only youthful options after trading Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakucionis for Giannis," Seigel wrote.
The Heat may believe the Dallas Mavericks will ultimately change their own stance on Thompson when it comes to a buyout, and that the 36-year-old will eventually become a free agent where they could sign him without having to sacrifice Jovic.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported via his Substack on Sunday night that Miami sits at the front of the line hoping Thompson will be bought out, pointing to the fact the Mavericks still have a decision to make with 16 fully contracted players on their roster.
Yet taking that path would also give Thompson the opportunity to sign with another team in free agency, including the Warriors who he’s already shown interest in a reunion with over recent weeks.
Warriors are lurking in Klay Thompson conversation
The Heat and Mavericks are seemingly staring one another down to see who blinks first -- will Miami adjust their thinking and throw Jovic into a trade, or will Dallas becoming open to a buyout?
The Warriors, meanwhile, aren’t going to trade for Thompson’s $17.5 million expiring contract because they don’t have the salary-matching pieces to make it worthwhile. They will though, like some other teams, be lurking around if the Mavericks move closer to contemplating a buyout.
Golden State still have two available roster spots over six weeks into free agency, and appear to be in no rush to sign anyone despite links to the likes of Kelly Olynyk, Georges Niang, Brandon Williams and Dalen Terry.
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