New Heat Rumors on Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan and Bradley Beal After LeBron James' 76ers Contract

The Miami Heat are reportedly turning their attention to other free agent and trade options after missing out on signing LeBron James.

The Heat's "priority" is to acquire Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reported Saturday.

The franchise has talked to free agent guard Bradley Beal, according to Jackson. He added the Heat would prefer to acquire Thompson.

Miami has also spoken with free agent forward DeMar DeRozan, Jackson reported. According to Jackson, DeRozan is interested "but has other suitors."

The Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers were considered frontrunners to sign James, per ESPN's Shams Charania, before he signed earlier this week with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Thompson is signed through the 2026-27 season at a $17.5 million cap hit, per Spotrac.

Jackson and Anthony Chiang reported earlier this month for the Herald the Heat had "interest in adding Thompson whether LeBron James joins the Heat or not."

The Heat would not be able to take on the entirety of Thompson's contract without moving out some salary in a trade. The franchise currently has $10.4 million in room below the first luxury tax apron, at which it is hard-capped, per Spotrac.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported earlier this month the Mavericks would prefer a trade rather than a buyout for Thompson.

DeRozan hit free agency after being waived by the Sacramento Kings earlier this month.

ESPN reported at the time contenders "including the leftover suitors that eventually strike out on their current pursuit of LeBron James" were expected to have interest in DeRozan.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported, however, the Lakers are "not considered a potential landing spot" for DeRozan. Stein later named the Detroit Pistons as a possible suitor.

Beal hit free agency after declining his $5.6 million player option for next season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on a recent Bleacher Report livestream the Heat, Clippers and Boston Celtics have been connected to an interest in Beal.

How much flexibility the Heat have to pursue DeRozan or Beal could ultimately hinge on if the Mavericks decide to trade or buy out Thompson.