5 Klay Thompson trades the Warriors must consider if his play doesn't improve
By Tyler Watts
The Golden State Warriors are struggling. They have won just three of their last 12 games after a 6-2 start to the season. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green missed time, but are back now. The franchise must get Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins on track and plug a few holes in their roster.
Curry is still one of the best players in the world, and the Warriors are all-in on competing for a championship. It could force the franchise to make some difficult decisions before the deadline. Thompson has struggled on both ends of the floor to begin the year. If he doesn’t break out of the funk, the five-time All-Star could be on the trade block before February’s deadline.
Trading Klay remains unlikely. He is a crucial part of the Warriors dynasty, but the 33-year-old is on an expiring contract. If the two sides cannot find common ground on a new deal, the Dubs may have to deal him. Thompson is one of the best shooters of all time, but here are five trades that the franchise may have to consider over the next two months.
5. Warriors go after OG Anunoby
The Raptors are one of the most talked about sellers so far. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., Thaddeus Young, and Otto Porter Jr. can all become unrestricted free agents in the summer of 2024. Toronto must decide if they are keeping their core together or entering a rebuild around Scottie Barnes.
Anunoby will be a free agent in the offseason because he wants more than the maximum extension he is allowed to sign. There will be plenty of suitors for one of the best 3-and-D wings in the league, so having his Bird Rights is massive. Can the Dubs acquire him?
Dubs get OG for Klay
The Warriors would have to convince Toronto to package up three salaries to match Klay Thompson's contract. His expiring deal would be off their books in the summer of 2024, and the Raptors must bet against Golden State’s future by acquiring future first-round picks in 2026 and 2028.
The Raptors turned down three firsts for Anunoby at the 2023 trade deadline, but his expiring contract could drive the price down slightly. This would be a massive gamble by the Golden State Warriors, but one that could solve most of their issues. Having an elite perimeter defender, who sinks open shots is exactly what the franchise needs.