Re-visiting Klay Thompson’s near-trade

Klay Thompson is an important part of the Warriors’ success. Two years ago, the Warriors almost traded him away to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

It has been two years since the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers traded away number one overall pick Andrew Wiggins to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for All-Star forward Kevin Love. Our friends over at King James Gospel just went back to take a look at that deal (check it out here). This means that it’s been about two years since the Golden State Warriors decided to keep their young shooting guard Klay Thompson instead of trading him.

Let’s re-visit that potential trade and how it would have affected the landscape of the NBA. In short, it’s safe to say that this could be one of those rare situations where every team involved can come out winning. The Warriors and the Cavs have to be ecstatic about their decisions while the Wolves are excited about the future.

In the summer following the Warriors’ disappointing first round loss in Game 7 to the rival Los Angeles Clippers, the team was looking to really make a big jump in the 2014-15 season. After advancing to the second round in ’12-13, they failed to build on it. They weren’t content with being a playoff team anymore; they wanted to content for a title.

The Warriors had their star in Stephen Curry. Andre Iguodala was entering his second year with the team. Harrison Barnes was coming off a bad year, but many believed he still had the potential to be a quality player. Draymond Green opened eyes in the playoffs, matching up against Blake Griffin. And, of course, David Lee (and his huge contract) were still there.

Then there was Klay Thompson. A long shooting guard who didn’t do much offensively except shoot the ball.  And he shot it very well, but he didn’t really drive or pass the ball. His on-ball defense was solid, but his off-ball awareness left a lot to be desired.

Thompson was solid. But he was nowhere near the level he’s at now. So while questions surrounded the Warriors’ backcourt and whether they could win a championship together, options appeared. The taller Splash Brother wasn’t untouchable, but the Warriors would only break up their core for the right price.

Minnesota was trying to move Love, knowing that he wouldn’t resign with them. There wasn’t much going on with the Wolves outside of Love and Ricky Rubio  so they wanted to collect young talent and build. The Warriors had that.

Every day, there was a new wave of stories and rumors that appeared. Some days it seemed like Thompson and Barnes for Love was a done deal. Others, not so much. It tore Warriors fans apart. There were those that felt like you have to trade for a top-10 player whenever that option becomes available. And there were those that felt like he wouldn’t fit in and Thompson could be special.

For full disclosure, I, personally, wanted the Warriors to trade for Love. But I didn’t want to give up Thompson. Rather, I would have been all right with David Lee and Barnes being sent to Minnesota.  Don’t worry, I’m not just saying that–I have the receipts.

Jerry West, who played an integral role in bringing Kevin Durant to the Bay Area, stepped in and stopped the deal. Joe Jacob and Bob Myers were reluctant, but willing. They were nearly ready to pull the trigger when West intervened. He felt that Thompson was too important to what they were building to deal him away.

One championship, seventy-three regular season wins, and two All-Star appearances later, Thompson proved him right. He has become integral to what Golden State has done. He’s locked up long term as the Warriors look to establish a dynasty.

For the Cavs, it was a difficult decision. Wiggins was touted as the next LeBron James. It’s never easy to trade away a number one overall pick. But the return of James meant they didn’t need a small forward; they needed a big that can space the floor and grab rebounds. They needed to win now, not develop a 19 year old wing.

The Warriors won a championship with Thompson playing a huge role. The Cavs have also now won a championship, partly because of Love’s heroics in Game 7 including staying in front of Curry in the final seconds. Both teams surely are content with their decision.

The Wolves, on the other hand, have a young core. One that could contend for a long time if they’re able to keep everyone together. Wiggins is very gifted and he’s grown in ways that he wouldn’t have playing alongside James. They’ve also drafted Karl-Anthony Towns, one of the most special players in the game. Together with Zach Lavine, this team is in great position to build a foundation and make a Warriors-esque jump.

Klay Thompson was way too close to being in Minnesota. He said he thanks God every day that the trade didn’t happen. So does everyone in DubNation.