According to a report from Basketball Ground, Miami is framing a potential blockbuster deal to acquire Irving. In exchange, the Dallas Mavericks would receive a youth-and-draft package headlined by Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson, alongside a 2028 first-round pick, a 2029 second-round pick, and an unprotected 2030 first-round selection.

On paper, the framework presents a logical path for both franchises: Miami secures elite perimeter creation to bolster its championship window, while Dallas clears backcourt usage to fully center its rebuild around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.

If the pursuit materialize, Irving would join a re-engineered roster that already landed superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee earlier this summer. Together, the high-profile moves have reignited title expectations across South Beach for a franchise hungry to return to the top of the NBA mountain.

Irving’s potential fit on Miami’s roster

Integrating Irving into head coach Erik Spoelstra’s scheme would instantly elevate Miami’s half-court shot creation. Renowned for his dynamic late-clock execution, the eight-time All-Star provides the exact high-leverage scoring needed to cure the Heat‘s routine offensive lulls.

His gravity as a pull-up shooter would unlock critical floor spacing for paint-dominant stars Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo. Furthermore, running a central pick-and-roll with Irving and Adebayo would instantly give Miami one of the most lethal two-man actions in the Eastern Conference.

Projected Heat starting lineup with Irving

If Miami manages to pull off the trade, Irving would slot directly into what suddenly looks like one of the most formidable starting units in the league. Here is how the Heat’s projected starting five would stack up with Irving running point:

• PG: Kyrie Irving
• SG: Norman Powell (or Klay Thompson / Tyler Herro)
• SF: Andrew Wiggins
• PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
• C: Bam Adebayo

NBA reporter Jake Weinbach threw out the idea of Chicago being the third team to help the Lakers finally complete a sign-and-trade for Kuminga. “As the Lakers discuss Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade scenarios with the Hawks, the Bulls would be worth mentioning as a potential third team facilitator,” Weinbach wrote in a post on X. “The Lakers would likely include Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht in trade talks, while Chicago has an open roster spot.”

Although the Bulls might seem like an unexpected squad to be included in a sign-and-trade sending Kuminga to Los Angeles, there is a very clear reason why Chicago would want to participate.

Unexpected interest

The Bulls enter the pursuit of Kuminga in an unexpected manner, but a logical explanation exists, even if a deal remains unlikely to happen. After multiple reports indicated that Jarred Vanderbilt is not being used as the main piece in a deal, it looks like the Lakers are more willing to give up some of their young players to acquire Kuminga.

For Chicago, a rebuilding squad, finding a way to enter the bidding for Jaden Hardy, Dalton Knecht, or Adou Thiero would prove beneficial. Chicago would be doing the Lakers a favor by helping to finalize a transaction and receiving promising young talent in return.

If the Lakers are willing to give up a few fringe roster players who could have a brighter future elsewhere while landing Kuminga in return, a team like the Bulls makes perfect sense to help close the gap in negotiations between Los Angeles and Atlanta that have put a deal on hold for the entire NBA offseason.

Another team in the mix

Additionally, while the Minnesota Timberwolves are doing everything possible to steal Kuminga from the Lakers, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted on “The Hoop Collective” podcast that the forward is most likely to land in Los Angeles next NBA season via a three-team deal, perhaps one involving Chicago.

“There’s still a window there for the Lakers to do a Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade deal using Jaden Hardy. But my thing on the whole Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade thing is that for the Hawks to do a sign-and-trade, they’re going to probably end up in the tax unless you can ship someone to a third team who has to be paid,” Windhorst said. “And I’ve just been very doubtful that unless the Hawks are in love with the situation that they’re going to end up signing and trading Kuminga.”

During his introductory press conference, Thompson was asked about playing alongside Antetokounmpo and offered nothing but high praise. “Giannis is one of the best players of all time… I think we both can just help each other,” Thompson said. “I’m going to get so many great looks playing off him and Bam.”

The pairing presents a strong complementary dynamic. Antetokounmpo and Adebayo rank among the top players at attacking the paint and will likely attract double teams, freeing up open spaces for Thompson to capitalize on, and vice versa.

Klay’s redemption season

Thompson made it clear that the upcoming campaign serves as a redemption season, expressing his desire to demonstrate that he can still play at the highest level and serve as a key contributor despite performing below his usual standard in recent years.

“It’s kind of a redemption season for me to show that I can still make an impact on winning … I still think I can do it at a high level,” Thompson said. “We have no limit to where we can go, that’s it. I’m eager to make it happen. Walking into that gym in Miami, seeing that jersey… it gave me joy and energy to be that Klay again.”

An ambitious decision by Thompson

Thompson arrives in Miami driven to win, even demonstrating his commitment financially by accepting less money than expected to taste victory again and contend for an NBA championship.

“Just the opportunity to play high-level basketball throughout the season and the chance to make a deep postseason run,” Thompson said. “Those things were so attractive to me. I’ve tasted winning before and there’s really nothing like it.”

On Monday, Thompson was all smiles as he arrived in South Beach to begin the new chapter in his illustrious career. “My joints just feel good being out here with this climate,” Thompson said.

“I can’t wait to meet the staff, my co-workers, the executives, try new cuisines, get some really good local food, and get to work. I was always here in passing, so it’s nice to be planted, just being able to experience a great place.”

An intriguing destination

After an empty two-year stint with the Mavericks, Thompson made it known that he wanted to join a championship contender and chase a fifth ring. The Heat became an ideal destination, especially with the addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Miami provides a city well-suited to what Thompson is looking for, backed by a fanbase that ranks among the best in the NBA — a crowd atmosphere he was accustomed to receiving in Golden State at Chase Center and Oracle Arena.

Although leg injuries have hampered the four-time champion’s performance, he remains a valuable player who can still knock down eight 3-pointers on any given night. Head coach Erik Spoelstra has a proven track record of getting the most out of long-range shooters — with Ray Allen, Duncan Robinson, and Max Strus serving as prime examples — meaning Thompson should have no trouble adapting to the system.

As a fierce competitor, Thompson is eager to bounce back following a down NBA season last year in which he averaged career lows of 11.7 points, 39.3% shooting from the field, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 21.7 minutes per game off the bench.

According to BasketballTalk, the Lakers and Hawks are in active discussions on a sign-and-trade that would send Jaden Hardy to Atlanta and Kuminga to Los Angeles, with an agreement virtually completed.

The battle for Kuminga has seemingly come down to the Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, offering two intriguing fits with different situations regarding what each franchise can offer. Miami Heat were previously in the mix, but landing Kuminga became impossible for the squad following the arrival of Klay Thompson.

Jonathan Kuminga views Lakers as ‘better fit’ over Timberwolves

According to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, Kuminga likes the fit with the Lakers, as he would get the opportunity to start right out of the gate at power forward alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Kuminga reportedly favors playing for the Lakers as a better overall fit. Regardless of Kuminga’s preference, the clock is ticking, and there is a chance the Lakers front office could begin to lose patience and pivot elsewhere.

Ultimately, the Lakers would be a better NBA team with Kuminga in the mix, but it remains to be seen when the situation gets resolved and where he lands when a decision is finally made.

Kuminga’s on-court complications

The forward has spent five seasons in the NBA, and while he possesses plenty of athleticism and overall potential, he has failed to realize much of that potential to this point. His 3-point shooting has been mostly subpar, and while he has the raw potential to become a very good defender, his execution on that end of the floor has been inconsistent.

Golden State Warriors, who drafted Kuminga with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, traded him to Atlanta midway through last season. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr benched him multiple times before that midseason trade.

The 22-year-old Wembanyama acknowledged that going up against the 31-year-old Jokic is always valuable, noting that he constantly learns from those challenges. “You always learn when you play against Jokic. You always catch some stuff and smarter moves on the court in those duels with him,” said the Defensive Player of the Year, as quoted in a report from BasketNews.

Serbia drew first blood with a 90-87 victory in Belgrade on Thursday. Jokic was masterful with a near triple-double of 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Wembanyama posted 10 points, four rebounds, and six turnovers.

France claims revenge

On Sunday, Les Bleus exacted revenge with a 91-90 win in Orleans, courtesy of a game-winner by Jaylen Hoard. Wembanyama recorded 18 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. Jokic remained dominant, tallying 34 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.

The clash showcased a great duel, though Jokic’s experience still showed as he commanded the floor at 100%, while a hungry Wembanyama continues to commit mistakes he can refine over time.

Last season, Wembanyama led San Antonio to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, while Jokic and Denver were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Western Conference rivalry

San Antonio and Denver remain among the top contenders in the Western Conference, with Wembanyama and Jokic at the forefront of their respective teams. The two centers will not meet in the NBA until March at Frost Bank Center.

In the meantime, Wembanyama will try to carry France in his first return to the national team since the 2024 Paris Olympics. “Our plan is simple. We are going to Paris in a day or two, continue with our preparations, and then we play the qualifier games,” said the two-time All-Star.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Thompson took less money to give Miami the ability to sign two more players: “That is why Thompson went one step further to help his new team by agreeing to a two-year, $11.5 million contract, which is less than the initially reported $13 million mark by ESPN at the time of Klay’s decision for a buyout and sign with Miami.

“Taking $1.5 million less doesn’t seem like that big of a deal for Thompson, but it’s significant for the organization since the Heat now have $5 million to work with below the first apron,” Siegel noted. “This means the front office can add two more players to this roster on minimum contracts before the 2026-27 season and remain in good financial standing.”

Starting on the right foot

Thompson‘s sacrifice is already proving to be something fans love. Fans expect to see him play at a high level, even though he has not been the same since his ACL injury.

Thompson spent the past two NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. Last season, the future Hall of Famer transitioned to a bench role for the first time since his rookie season in 2011-12.

Thompson, a five-time All-Star, ranks fourth in NBA history in 3-pointers made with 2,899. He needs only 75 3-pointers to pass Ray Allen for third place. Thompson averaged a career-low 11.7 points for the Mavericks last season, shooting 39.3% from the field and 38.3% on 3s, both career lows.

What is expected of Thompson

The Heat hope Thompson can revive his best form and replicate the magic he created with Golden State, where he teamed up with Stephen Curry to create the “Splash Brothers,” considered by many the best shooting guard pairing of all time.

Miami Heat opens the regular NBA season at home on Oct. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Five nights later, Thompson and the Heat host the Mavericks.

In a recent chat with the media, the young guard offered a rare glimpse into his mindset while answering rapid-fire questions about the game. Asked about a potential nickname for the new backcourt, Edwards selected a reference from the iconic Pixar movie The Incredibles.

“It would never be Ant-Man and Wasp,” said Edwards. “He’s too good for that. It would be more like… what’s that dude’s name from The Incredibles? Mr. Incredible, that’s Melo. And I’m Frozone.”

Edwards aims to overcome Wembanyama

With Ball on board, the squad shapes up as a championship contender, but faces tough competition in the Western Conference—most notably the reigning conference champions, the San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama.

Edwards discussed Wembanyama and explained why their matchups bring out his best, noting that Wembanyama’s height presents a serious challenge. “As of right now, probably Wemby,” Edwards added. “I mean, he’s 7’5”, so I just gotta find ways to get around him. You know, I got to try and outthink him because he’s so much taller than me.”

Edwards did not select Wembanyama at random. The two clashed during the 2026 Western Conference Semifinals, where Wembanyama and the Spurs dominated the series, eliminating Minnesota in six games. The defeat marked the biggest challenge Edwards has faced so far, driving his determination to set things right in the 2026-27 NBA season.

The Edwards-Ball backcourt dynamic

While many fans favored the nickname “Ant-Man and Wasp,” Edwards believed it did not do justice to Ball‘s superstar status given his career averages of 20.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game on 40.7% shooting from the field.

For Edwards, Ball stands as an equal star, making two full-fledged heroes like Mr. Incredible and Frozone the ideal match. Edwards even dressed as Mr. Incredible for Halloween, making the comparison even more fitting.

As a result, teams around the NBA are monitoring Doncic’s situation just in case things go wrong, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Just like [Nikola Jokic] can profess his loyalty to the Nuggets, there’s still going to be teams that are positioning themselves and monitoring that and all that kind of thing,” MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective. “It’s the same thing with Luka. He’s done nothing but express optimism and excitement about the Lakers since he signed that extension.”

“But it’s not that long-term of an extension,” MacMahon added. “And you better believe there’s teams around the league that are looking at that situation saying, ‘Hey, if this thing goes sideways, we’d sure like to get Luka in midway through his prime.’“

Doncic reacts to latest ownership shift

Doncic‘s reaction remains critical for the franchise as its main face and star figure for years to come. The incoming group will mark the fifth different owner or ownership group Doncic has played under in recent years.

The six-time All-Star brought up the frequent turnover when reacting to the sale. “Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA,” Doncic stated.

“I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise. I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together.”

Doncic’s on-court production and loyalty

Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per NBA game in 2025-26, has shown remarkable performance alongside a loyal track record. The 27-year-old never wanted to leave the Mavericks and was stunned when traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025.

While the exact buyout figure was initially uncertain, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the financial specifics of the agreement. “Klay Thompson gave back roughly $9.8 million in his buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks, league sources told HoopsHype. As widely reported, Thompson now plans to join the Miami Heat once he clears waivers,” Scotto posted on X.

Thompson entered the final year of his contract with the Mavericks, set to earn $17.5 million. He is expected to sign a two-year, $13 million deal with the Miami Heat, where he will team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo, making a return to the Golden State Warriors impossible.

Thompson’s production With Mavericks

Thompson was a reliable shooter for the Mavericks during his two seasons with the squad, averaging 12.9 points while shooting 38.7% from three-point range. The veteran is expected to fully capitalize on the floor spacing created by Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in Miami.

Organizational turnover prompting departure

Major organizational shifts followed Thompson‘s arrival in Dallas. Luka Doncic was traded in exchange for Anthony Davis, who was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards.

Nico Harrison was dismissed, leading the Mavericks to hire Mike Schmitz as general manager and Masai Ujiri as team president. Beyond seeking an opportunity with a title contender, Thompson likely sought a more stable environment given the roster and front-office movement.

Head coach Jason Kidd was also dismissed following the NBA season, with Dusty May taking over as head coach. The franchise’s desire to move on from Thompson aligns with its goal to get younger and rebuild around Cooper Flagg.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, a return to the Bay Area is impossible under current league regulations. “A reunion between Klay and the Warriors could only happen if he were to become a free agent, and that’s not by way of buyout. We’re talking next offseason, next summer, where the Warriors aren’t a first apron team or a second apron team. If he gets bought out of his contract now, the Warriors cannot sign him due to the CBA rules,” Siegel stated.

A comeback is now completely ruled out after Thompson reached a buyout agreement with the Mavericks. His arrival with the Heat is imminent and could be announced sooner than expected, when he joins Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Thompson open to Golden State return

In a viral video from Thompson‘s signature signing event at last month’s Fanatics Fest NYC, a fan asked the star guard about a potential return to the Bay Area.

Thompson’s response was notably direct. “Shoot, I don’t know,” Thompson said while signing a picture. “I got one more year in my deal. It would be nice to end it in Golden State.”

A reunion fans still hope for

A Klay Thompson return to Golden State and a reunion with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for one final season remains the dream scenario every Warriors fan hopes to see one day.

Thompson left the Warriors in 2024 after signing a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks. He enters the final year of his current contract during the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season.

The four-time NBA champion averaged 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 21.7 minutes last NBA season, shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range across 69 games.