​CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first half of a basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 16, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Kaseya Center on July 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 21: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings walks to the bench during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center on January 21, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) GettyThe Miami Heat has begun pivoting after falling short in the LeBron James sweepstakes.James, 41, chose the conference rival Philadelphia 76ers after a nearly monthlong free agency, only adding to the sting. But the good news is that the Heat, already with Giannis Antetokounmpo in tow, have options, one of them being sharpshooting Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson.According to team insider Barry Jackson, the Heat is seriously targeting Thompson to help add more shooting around Antetokounmpo.“Thompson remains the Heat priority, even though there’s no indication when or if he will shake free from Dallas,” Jackson wrote for the Miami Herald. “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.”Miami Heat Looking to Build Out Roster Around Giannis AntetokounmpoGettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 16: Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Kaseya Center on July 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)With the James dream over, the Heat are left with no other option but to gauge the free agent market for veteran stars. Although Thompson is not on the open market, the Heat is hoping the four-time NBA champion reaches a buyout with the Mavs, allowing  Miami to directly sign him to a team-friendly deal.†