​The Dallas Mavericks will need to trim at least one piece from their current roster, as they carry 16 standard contracts — one above the NBA’s allowed limit of 15. Dallas has been rumored to be seeking a new home for veteran rim protector Daniel Gafford, whom the organization has been “fielding offers” for.But any Gafford trade would likely send more back to the Mavs than just draft capital, leaving them in the same situation whether they move him this summer or not. The most obvious candidate to help alleviate the personnel logjam is Klay Thompson. Thompson, 36, is due just under $17.5 million from Dallas in 2026-27, but recent buzz suggests the former Splash Bro could soon be on his way to … South Beach?READ MORE: Klay Thompson’s Mavs Exit Accelerated by Zaccharie Risacher Trade That’s right. Per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Thompson’s name has been connected to the Miami Heat in “chatter around the league.”Given the fact that Thompson no longer appears to be a member of the Mavericks’ long-term plans and a preferred destination seems to be known, a contract buyout is the sniper’s best chance at landing where he wants to. But that isn’t in Dallas’ best interest, nor has Thompson officially approached the franchise about negotiating a buyout. “However, Thompson is entering the final year of his contract at $17.4 million, and there have yet to be any credible talks of him and the Mavs having conversations about a potential buyout,” Siegel wrote. “These discussions would need to be initiated by Thompson, who would also need to sacrifice money in a potential buyout.”From the franchise’s perspective, a trade would be the most beneficial outcome. READ MORE: Morez Johnson Jr. Ripped As ‘Most Inconsistent Rookie’; Mavs Depth Chart LookEven though his days as a perennial All-Star are over, Thompson still presents great value as a perimeter threat and locker room presence. The Mavericks could certainly find some sort of compensation that would be better than simply letting him walk, and he’d have interest well beyond the Heat.One of those interested organizations seems to be the one that drafted Thompson, as Siegel describes. “A return to the Warriors was also a hot topic regarding Thompson at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, yet it’s hard to envision a scenario where Golden State would trade for him in the final year of his contract,” he continued. Despite all of the buzz and logical connections to different franchises, it’s important to keep in mind that Thompson has not officially asked out … yet. Though that may change as contenders inch closer to rounding out their rosters. Dallas has no reason to initiate a buyout that would sacrifice Thompson’s remaining trade value.If Miami is truly his preferred destination, the next move belongs to him.Until then, the Heat connection remains chatter — and Thompson remains a Maverick.