For the Golden State Warriors, Giannis isn’t worth Klay Thompson
The Golden State Warriors could offer Milwaukee a package for Giannis, but the addition of Klay Thompson in any deal should be a nonstarter for the Dubs.
The 2011-2012 season, the Golden State Warriors won 23 games. Four years later, they were the best regular-season team in NBA history. They were able to build their success on the backs of three superstars, all of which weren’t top-five picks in their respective drafts.
One of those players that rose to the occasion to help the Warriors win multiple titles was Klay Thompson.
Thompson is a five-time All-Star and just signed a massive max-value deal last offseason. The Warriors gave him that deal after he tore his ACL. Despite being 30, the Warriors trusted the best was yet to come for Thompson.
Top 20 in three-pointers made in a career, Thompson has ascended through the list while playing alongside the best shooter to ever grace the hardwood. He’s that good, and he’s been that good when it means the most, saving the Warriors with multiple Game 6 heroics.
However, Golden State may have a chance to package Thompson this offseason. While reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t on the trading block right now, if he wants out, the Bucks will start to explore optioins.
The Warriors should be a team that inquires about the cost of Giannis. A free agent after next season, Giannis’ price takes a hit as only a team that’s confident they could retain him would trade for him.
With a plethora of suitors, the Warriors should toss an offer, but that offer shouldn’t include Thompson. It’s less about the basketball fit, although Thompson is the quintessential player to run with Curry, and more about the trust that Golden State has built.
It’s a Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki-type feel. Thompson and Curry have won championships with the organization. They’ve both called the Bay Area home for almost a decade, and they’re trusted by the front office.
Keeping Klay is just the right move, and it would showcase just how they reward those that stick with them through the tough times. Thompson could’ve taken his talent to SoCal this past offseason, but he didn’t.
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He rewarded Golden State’s faithfulness, and they should now do the same by not even touching his name in any rumors, even those for the best player in the NBA.