Reunite with Doncic? Report: Klay willing to return home to join Lakers, Heat also a potential destination

As of August 4, Beijing time, with the 2026-27 season drawing nearer, the Mavericks management is still seeking trade possibilities. Klay Thompson's status in Dallas is still up in the air. Although the Mavericks haven't secured a trade destination for the veteran sharpshooter, recent news suggests Thompson would be open to heading back to his hometown LA to play for the Lakers if the chance presents itself.

The Mavericks have been busy this offseason, completing multiple trades, bringing in rookies, and signing free agents. New team president Masai Ujiri is leading a roster overhaul, resulting in many personnel changes. The team currently has 16 standard player contracts and must reduce the roster before the regular season begins. Thompson's future has become a major focus of the offseason. The Mavericks have tested the trade market for Thompson but have not yet reached any deal.

The Athletic reporter Christian Clark wrote: "Over the past two seasons, Klay Thompson has been the Mavericks' leader in three-pointers made. Whether he will remain in Dallas for a third season remains unanswered." Clark added, "Multiple rival team sources who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Athletic that the Mavericks have explored the trade market for Thompson but have not yet finalized any deal. The sources were not authorized to discuss potential negotiations publicly."

Clark stated that Thompson is not opposed to returning to Southern California. "From what I understand, Thompson is willing to return to Los Angeles. He spent part of his childhood there and still owns property in the area," Clark wrote. Another prominent reporter, Sidney, also said: "The Lakers are emerging as a potential destination for Thompson. Staying with the Mavericks, Doncic consistently created quality shot opportunities for Thompson, which is very appealing. The Lakers have contract assets that can match salaries, giving them a chance to acquire Thompson directly via trade without waiting for a buyout."

Thompson signed a three-year contract with the Mavericks in 2024, with the 2026-27 season being the final year of the deal at a salary of $17.5 million. He will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027. He has previously been teammates with Doncic in Dallas.

Last season, the 36-year-old Thompson played in 69 games, starting in 8 of them. He averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range.

The Mavericks' proactive exploration of trading Thompson is part of Ujiri's large-scale roster overhaul. This offseason, the team acquired Santi Aldama, Marcus Sasser, Tarik Biberovic, Zaccharie Risacher, and rookie Morez Johnson.

The Lakers are not the only team interested in Thompson. Clark mentioned: "In league circles, the Miami Heat are also frequently viewed as a potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer." However, the Heat prefer to wait for a buyout rather than initiating a trade directly.

The Miami Herald reported that the Heat's ideal scenario is for the Mavericks and Thompson to reach a buyout, making Thompson a free agent. "A smoother path would be for the Mavericks to eventually buy out Thompson. Suppose Thompson gives up $7 million of his current salary to become a free agent. Then the Heat could use the remainder of their mid-level exception to offer a $7 million contract, making up for the income Thompson sacrificed."

The Heat are currently building their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, and outside observers believe Thompson's perimeter shooting ability could fit well with this team.