Klay Thompson drawing strong interest from 1 NBA contender

Klay Thompson might just be getting a chance to chase ring No. 5.

The Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Thompson is drawing “strong interest” from the Miami Heat, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported on Monday. Jackson adds that the Heat are interested in adding Thompson regardless of whether or not they end up signing LeBron James as well.

Thompson, now 36 years old, is a five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection who is known as one of the best pure shooters of all-time. But his stock is way down these days after several straight seasons of declining play.

Last season for the Mavericks, Thompson produced his worst effort yet. Over 69 total games for Dallas, Thompson averaged career lows of 11.7 points per game on 39.3 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from deep. He also ended up getting demoted to the bench for the first time since he was a rookie back in 2011-12.

As it stands right now, Thompson is entering his final season under contract at $17.5 million. Jackson adds that the Mavericks would prefer to trade Thompson rather than to buy him out as it is not financially advantageous for them to pursue the latter track (unless Thompson is willing to give up a significant chunk of his remaining salary).

After adding former league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks last month, the Heat are focused on acquiring cheap veteran shooters to help open up the lane for Antetokounmpo. Miami might end up getting reuniting with their former star James in free agency, but even if they do not do so, Thompson could be a top target for them in addition to this very well-known name as well.