Klay Thompson trade: Taking a look at 3 potential teams Splash Brother could join if he leaves Golden State Warriors
After a slow start to the 2022-23 season, many are wondering if the Golden State Warriors are better off moving on from some of the key players they've had in recent years.
Whether that be somebody like Klay Thompson or Draymond Green, Golden State is going to have a tough decision on their hand. However, Thompson is still recovering from the injury that he has dealt with and that's something that certainly needs to be kept in the back of people's minds. It's not easy returning from an injury of that severity.
Below, we will take a look at some of the best Klay Thompson trades and see if there are any out there that could make sense for Golden State.
Before we dive into those trades, it's important to remember what Klay Thompson has said in the past about the Golden State Warriors and continue playing. There was a rumor once that he was going to retire, but he quickly shut those down.
Klay Thompson was also asked about what his contract extension is going to look like as Golden State is going to have to make that decision. His response was as expected from a true professional like himself.
“I’m just going to do what I got to do to be the best I can be every day. I’m going to be a great player. I know what I’m capable of. I fully expect to earn another NBA contract, whether it’s this summer or next summer. I’m fully confident in my abilities,” Thompson shared on NBA.com.
He added:
“I’m not worried about an extension in the meantime because I know it’ll happen if I just do my job and I just be myself.”
Klay Thompson and James Wiseman to Indiana for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield
While this may not make a lot of sense for the Indiana Pacers because Klay Thompson hasn't been playing well recently and they'd be taking on a $40 million contract. It might not be a bad idea if they believe James Wiseman still has the ability that many thought he had coming into the league.
Why this would work for Golden State is simple considering that they would get Myles Turner, who they seem to desperately need at the moment, and would also have a guy like Buddy Hield that can run around screens like Thompson does and knock down open shots.
Comparing Hield to Klay wouldn't make a ton of sense in terms of what they've both done throughout their career, but Hield has played better than him this season as he's shooting 39.7% from 3-point range on insane volume.
Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso, and Lonzo Ball for Klay Thompson and James Wiseman
This type of trade won't be likely considering that it wouldn't make too much sense from either side unless the Bulls do believe that James Wiseman can be a positive for them as well. However, this is something a Golden State would likely ignore considering that Vucevic doesn't defend the rim at a high level whatsoever.
Maybe they get intrigued with a healthy Ball and Caruso.
A variation of players to Dallas for Thompson
The Dallas Mavericks would have to get interesting if they want to make a deal for Klay Thompson, but the team desperately needs somebody, and going after him might not be a bad idea.
They have guys like Dorian Finney-Smith, Reggie Bullock, and others that might appeal to Golden State a bit because of what they can do on the defensive side of the basketball with their size.
How will the Klay Thompson trade affect Golden State Warriors?
A Klay Thompson trade would change things up for the Warriors. While it might seem like it could be a good idea from an on-the-court perspective, people have to remember that this is a trade that could hurt the locker room.