3 Golden State Warriors that Thompson's return would make expendable

3 Golden State Warriors that Klay Thompson’s return would make expendable

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: (L-R) Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11, and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors react on the bench during their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center on January 25, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Warriors’ player that is expendable if Klay Thompson returns: Kelly Oubre Jr.

Kelly Oubre Jr. is going to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his camp feels he can make around $20 million annually. That mark is going to be tough for the Warriors to match which is why Thompson’s return couldn’t come at a better time.

If Thompson wasn’t planning to return, they may look for ways to reach into their back and retain the star guard. Trading Kevon Looney, one of the only players not on a minimum, would be a start. Freeing up cap space could be no easy task.

As for Oubre Jr., Thompson’s return makes the young guard expendable, and he’ll get to shine in a different market. With his athleticism and playmaking, Oubre Jr. has everything in his repertoire to be one of the top-30 scorers in the NBA.

Oubre Jr. proved his worth earlier in the season, single-handedly defeating the Dallas Mavericks with a 40-point effort. While he did erupt often, if he can find his rhythm within an offense, there’s no reason he couldn’t top 20 points per game.

Having missed 14 of the team’s last 19 games, Oubre Jr. didn’t have an overly memorable season, but he did make an impact. Sadly, with Thompson back, the chance he returns isn’t too high.

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