[Jackson] Finding a way to acquire Klay Thompson remains a “priority” for the Miami Heat. Miami has had conversations with DeMar DeRozan and Bradley Beal. Miami would like to add another big man.
Source: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article316539202.html
The Heat has had conversation with free agent forward Demar DeRozan’s camp in the aftermath of James picking the 76ers, but there’s no deal at this point and it’s unclear if there will be one.
DeRozan has interest in the Heat, but he has other suitors and Miami must determine quickly whether they will move forward with any offer involving at least some of the Heat’s remaining $8 million in exception money.
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Thompson remains the Heat priority, even though there’s no indication when or if he will shake free from Dallas.
The Mavericks, well below the luxury tax line, have no particular financial incentive to dump Thompson — who’s owed $17.5 million in the final year of a three-year contract — unless he’s willing to take a significant pay cut on a buyout.
The Heat might end up needing that $8 million in exception money to bridge the gap with what he would be losing by taking a buyout with Dallas.
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Though the Heat spoke with Bradley Beal’s camp earlier this season, waiting on Thompson remained the preference as of the end of the week.
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The Heat would like to add another big man, but there’s no obvious name remaining in free agency.