The reason why the Miami Heat is the favorite to sign Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson is getting closer to becoming a new player for the Miami Heat. The Florida franchise has positioned itself as the favorite to acquire the veteran shooting guard if he reaches a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks, and there is a reason that could be decisive: Miami is in a position to offer him considerably more money than the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-season contract.

That's not the only argument. The Heat can also guarantee him something that at this point in his career holds enormous value: starting from day one alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. After a challenging period in Dallas, Thompson would find in Florida a scenario designed to exploit precisely the quality that still makes him a differential player: his outside shooting.

Miami can pay him more than the Lakers

The financial aspect could end up deciding a competition that, up to now, seemed very balanced.

If Thompson manages to part ways with Dallas through a buyout, Miami has more capacity to offer him a financially attractive one-year contract than Los Angeles. For a player who has already won four rings and is in the final stage of his career, being able to maximize his earnings without committing for several seasons can be particularly appealing.

But money isn't the only explanation.

The Heat also promises him a prominent role in the rotation. Thompson wouldn't arrive to be an occasional specialist or to wait for opportunities from the bench: his intention would be to immediately become one of the team's starters.

Giannis is the perfect partner for Klay

The sports fit could be even more crucial.

Giannis Antetokounmpo needs to surround himself with shooters capable of exploiting the spaces he creates when driving. The attention the Greek star commands in the paint constantly opens up outside shots for his teammates.

And few players have built such an extraordinary career around those situations as Klay.

The veteran can run off screens, spot up in the corners, or rise up from far beyond the arc. He doesn't need to have the ball too much to produce, making him a perfect complement for a star who draws so much defensive attention.

Additionally, Bam Adebayo would add another piece capable of creating interior advantages and finding him from different areas of the court.

An offensive resurgence in Miami

The Heat can offer Thompson something more than open shots: the possibility to regain confidence and prominence.

In Dallas, he had to adapt to a different role, and his performance was inconsistent. In Miami, however, he could once again feel like an important piece and assume a high volume of shots within a system that knows how to leverage off-ball players.

If he manages to improve his percentages again and remain a constant threat from the perimeter, the signing could have a huge impact.

Giannis would attract defenses, Bam would punish inside, and Klay would stretch the floor. That combination would force opponents to make decisions constantly.

There are also doubts

The Heat wouldn't be acquiring the Klay from the Golden State years.

His physical problems have reduced his defensive capabilities and lateral mobility. In certain matchups, he could be targeted, and Miami would have to compensate for those limitations with their collective structure.

But here's where a difference arises compared to the Lakers. Miami has more suitable defensive tools to protect Thompson, especially with Giannis and Bam on the team.

Why can Miami win the race?

The Lakers have the huge appeal of playing alongside Luka Doncic and providing an extraordinary stage for shooting. However, Miami seems to have more arguments in the negotiation right now.

More money, immediate starting role, significant offensive role, and the chance to play alongside Giannis form a very compelling package.

Furthermore, Thompson wouldn't have to bear the responsibility of being a star. His mission would be much simpler: defend as much as possible, move off the ball, and punish from the perimeter.

If Dallas eventually agrees to the buyout, Miami seems to have all the ingredients to prevail. Klay could find in Florida the perfect setting for a final great stage of his career, while the Heat would get a historic shooter to accompany Giannis in their attempt to contend for the championship.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El motivo por el que Miami Heat es favorito para fichar a Klay Thompson