If the Miami Heat are going to find a path to Klay Thompson, it's probably not going to come via trade. Considering that's probably the clearest path toward such a move, it certainly clouds the possibilities of Thompson joining the Heat.
According to Heat writer Anthony Chiang, the Heat are waiting for Thompson to secure a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks rather than pushing forward toward a potential trade.
This is not entirely surprising within the Heat's reporting circles, but there had been some whispers growing of the Heat potentially being willing to pursue a trade for Thompson. However, while there may have been talks of that possibility, it's becoming quite clear that Miami would much rather wait to see if Thompson is bought out.
The Heat need Klay Thompson to reach a buyout agreement
From both a financial and team-building perspective, that always made the most sense for both the Heat and Thompson.
The Heat would likely lose depth if they had to trade for Thompson, and there's a possible path to Thompson making more money this season if he agreed to a buyout. Sure, he'd lose some money with the buyout agreement, but would then be able to make some of that back if Miami is willing to use some, if not all, of their remaining mid-level exception money.
Of course, there's one big problem with that.
While there is a path where a buyout would make sense for both the Heat and Thompson, I'm not necessarily sure that would be the same for the Mavericks. After all, why would the Mavs basically give up Thompson (while still being on the hook for at least half his salary for this season) without something in exchange?
In other words, what is in it for the Mavs if they were to buy out Thompson now? Unless there's another move that the Mavs desperately want to make between now and the start of the season, one that would require them to open up a roster spot, there shouldn't be much of an incentive for Dallas to pull the trigger.
Does it make sense for the Mavs to buy out Klay Thompson?
Even less so if Dallas hasn't given enough time to scour the trade market for Thompson. Even if he's already come to the Mavs and asked for a buyout, Dallas is unlikely to move forward with such a move until it becomes abundantly clear they can't trade Thompson.
And, at least at this point, there's no guarantee that is the case.
One thing is sure, though, and it's that the Heat aren't going to trade for Thompson. Despite it being the clearest path toward making this marriage happen, Heat fans can probably cross that off the list of possibilities.
If Thompson does end up in Miami, it almost certainly will come after he gets bought out. That's become quite clear now.
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