It’s been said that all good things come to an end. That’s even true in the NBA. Even dynasties die. When a team builds a dynasty, it becomes more difficult for them to say goodbye to key players. Yet, sometimes, that’s what has to happen.
Look at the Golden State Warriors. Klay Thompson has been integral to their recent dynastic run. The Warriors may have to say goodbye to him anyway. Recently, it’s been reported that Thompson and the Warriors are struggling to agree on a contract extension. Could this be his last year with the team?
It’s hard to say. It remains possible that the Warriors will agree with Thompson. With that said, if they can’t, look for Thompson to have his share of suitors. Here are three teams that we think should take a look at him.
New York Knicks
Thompson will have suitors. That doesn’t mean that the Warriors will get a haul for him. Thompson’s contract makes trading for him complicated in a couple of ways. He’s on an expiring deal: teams won’t give up much for rental. Moreover, the last year of his deal is enormous. Making the money work here won’t be easy.
Do the New York Knicks have the contracts to trade for Thompson? Well, any offer is going to start with Evan Fournier. That gets the Knicks about halfway to Thompson. Would they be willing to part with anyone else on their roster to get a deal done? Isaiah Hartenstein feels like an option, but even he and Fournier won’t be enough.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks Updates
With that said, the Knicks could use Thompson’s skillset. Realistically, any competitive team could. It’s possible that the Warriors could attach some draft capital to Thompson in order to move him and get a quality player like Josh Hart in return. With that said, if that doesn’t work for either side, the Warriors may have to look elsewhere.
Orlando Magic
With that said, a team that isn’t cap-strapped could have an easier time making a move for Thompson. A team like, for example, the Orlando Magic. They could take back a little bit of extra money if they were interested in making a move for Thompson.
On a related note: we think they should be interested in making a move for Thompson. The Magic badly need guards who can shoot. Thompson fits the bill. This is a perfect basketball fit. Can the Magic entice the Warriors?
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic Updates
Perhaps. They may like Jonathan Isaac’s expiring deal. Gary Harris is a budget replacement for Thompson. The Warriors could like Joe Ingles, too. With that said, the Warriors may not want spare parts. Is there a team they could look to to get an impact player in return?
Minnesota Timberwolves
That’s right. We’re thinking of Rudy Gobert. We know what you’re thinking, too. Why would the Warriors flip an expiring contract for Gobert’s long-term pact?
Well, because he’s Rudy Gobert. Yes, Gobert’s image has taken a hit in recent years. He can struggle in some playoff series. Moreover, the Minnesota Timberwolves overpaid for Gobert, impacting his league-wide status. Still, he remains one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. He’d likely thrive alongside Draymond Green in the Warriors’ defensive system.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Meanwhile, Thompson should thrive in Minnesota too. Flipping Gobert for him would allow them to move away from the dual big lineups that featured Gobert alongside Karl-Anthony Towns last year. If the Warriors are willing to say goodbye to Thompson, the Wolves should be happy to say hello to him.
