Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Conference rival floated as potential trade destination for Golden State Warriors star

By Peter O'Keefe

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors battle for position in the first half at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 22: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors battle for position in the first half at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The future of star guard Klay Thompson is back under the microscope, with a recent report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski stating there had been “absolutely no progress” on a contract extension for the Golden State Warriors sharpshooter.

The 33-year-old’s slow start over preseason probably haven’t helped matters, with Thompson averaging 8.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.4 turnovers, shooting 28% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range.

Klay Thompson’s three-and-D style could make him an attractive proposition to rivals should the Golden State Warriors consider trading the franchise legend.

While his defense is nowhere near it’s pre-injury prime, and his $43.2 million deal for this season is overpriced, his off-ball style could mould into a number of teams around the league. That’s particularly the case for teams chasing an experienced, championship-proven wing capable of unmatched shooting nights.

One of those is the Dallas Mavericks who still hold plenty of question marks surrounding their rotation and roster. After meeting Golden State in the 2022 Western Conference Finals, a revamped Mavericks are looking to respond from an extremely disappointing 11th-place finish last season.

Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of a game at Chase Center on February 04, 2023. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Dwight Powell of the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of a game at Chase Center on February 04, 2023. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

In a recent article for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation, writer Dalton Trigg considered the prospect of Dallas trading for the five-time All-Star to pair with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

"“Age and injury history aside, Thompson would fit well into a Mavs’ starting five featuring Doncic, Irving, (Grant) Williams and (Dereck) Lively. The four-time champion is a very capable defender, and his ability to produce at a star level while mostly being a catch-and-shoot player on offense is something that would seem to work great on paper with Doncic and Irving,” Trigg wrote."

While Thompson’s fit at the Mavericks makes sense, it’s extremely unlikely that the Warriors will consider trading the franchise legend, let alone to a conference rival like the Mavericks who they could foreseeably see again in the postseason.

Next. NBA Power Rankings: HoopsHype’s optimistic outlook on Golden State Warriors chances. dark

If Thompson and the Warriors can’t come to terms on a contract extension, it’s highly likely he’ll walk to unrestricted free agency where the franchise will hope they can re-sign him in a similar manner to Draymond Green this offseason.

Home/Warriors Rumors