Golden State Warriors: Would the Dubs trade Klay Thompson?

The Golden State Warriors have an amazing core, but would they consider moving Klay Thompson if the price is right for him?

The Golden State Warriors are celebrating one of the greatest seasons in NBA history. They won 67 games and went 16-1 in the postseason, after starting 15-0. It was some of the best basketball ever.

The Warriors did it, partly, because they boast one of the, if not the, most talented cores to step onto a court. No team has ever assembled a unit like the 2016-17 Warriors did. They had two MVPs and two other All-Stars to go with them.

More from Blue Man Hoop

While Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant stole the show and Draymond Green just received some hardware, Klay Thompson went a little under the radar. He was an All-Star once again this past season, but he didn’t make an All-NBA team and he didn’t win any awards (outside of the Performance of the Year recognition he got from the fans). Thompson wasn’t on any All-Defense teams or anything.

Still, he was crucial to the Warriors’ title run. His defense in the playoffs and, especially, the NBA Finals was phenomenal. He was Kyrie Irving’s primary defender, but he expertly switched out onto anyone that he needed to including LeBron James and Kevin Love. He stuck to everyone.

Now, despite the fact that he was so crucial, is it possible that the Warriors would move him? There are rumors that he and Paul George have been in communication about teaming up in their hometown of Los Angeles. There’s also the fact that Thompson has somewhat fallen in the pecking order.

The Warriors could make a move for George, if they wanted to. He is a better player than Thompson though he might not fit as well. It would be the best offer the Indiana Pacers could get from anyone.

Golden State could also try to make a deal for DeAndre Jordan. With Chris Paul gone, JJ Redick on his way out, and Blake Griffin’s future hanging in the balance, the Los Angeles Clippers could be looking to move their center. In fact, even if Griffin re-signs, they might still look to move him anyways.

Jerry West’s affinity for Thompson is well-documented. He was the loudest voice in the room when the Dubs were considering moving him for Kevin Love three years ago, stopping Joe Lacob from pulling the trigger on the deal. If the star shooting guard was offered to him, he would love to pair Thompson with Griffin and the allure of Los Angeles to future free agents.

The Warriors’ eternal chase for a good center would be over. Steve Kerr loves his traditional big men. Despite the fact that Draymond Green is a top center when he slides to the five spot, Kerr prefers to go with traditional seven footers. Jordan is among the best in the game right now.

Speaking of centers, there is a unicorn that could still be on the market in New York. Kristaps Porzingis’ future still has him in the Big Apple now that Phil Jackson is gone. Still, the Knicks would have to, at least, answer the phone if Bob Myers gave him a call. That would set the Warriors’ up to see continued success even when Curry and Durant start to decline.

The Warriors are not going to move Thompson this summer. They might not move him ever unless they are absolutely blown away by a deal. There’s no reason to break up what they have.

Next: Top 20 Draft Picks in Warriors History

And while there might be better players than Thompson available, there aren’t many who fit within Golden State’s system better. He is perfect in the Bay Area. They elevate him and he elevates them to unprecedented heights.

Thompson is a Warrior and he will continue to be a Warrior for a long time.

Home/Warriors News