Negotiating a contract can get messy. That’s true in the NBA as well. A player and a team may have different notions about a player’s value. Apparently, the Golden State Warriors are currently at odds with Klay Thompson.
Thompson is in the last year of his contract. Currently, the two sides haven’t agreed on a negotiation. It’s hard to imagine Thompson on a different team – he’s been a staple of a dynastic run in Golden State. Yet, the possibility of him ending up in a different uniform is looming larger than ever.
Could the Warriors trade him? It seems unfathomable. Yet, if they can’t agree on an extension, moving Thompson now before he walks as a free agent next summer may be wise.
Could the Warriors send him to the Orlando Magic?
NBA Trade Proposal — Orlando Magic Land Klay Thompson
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, G/F Joe Ingles
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Klay Thompson
The NBA is a business. Yet, it’s personal, too. Players and teams develop relationships. Whether it’s rational or not, the name on the front of a player’s jersey is likely to mean something to them.
Each franchise has its history, and players grow proud to be associated with it. That said, Thompson will always have a vaunted place in Warriors history. He’s the other Splash Brother.
If not for Thompson’s quick trigger three-point shooting and rugged point-of-attack defense, the Warriors likely wouldn’t establish a dynasty. Fans of this organization will always love Thompson, no matter what comes next.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors & Orlando Magic Updates
Perhaps we’re overreacting. These two sides may agree. If they can’t, remember – the NBA is a business. If the Warriors move him, it won’t be a personal matter. Should they send him to the Magic?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do This Deal
The Warriors shouldn’t rush to make this deal. If they look like serious title contenders leading up to the deadline, they may even opt to take their chances with Thompson in free agency. That’s fine – Ingles can’t be traded yet, anyway.
The Warriors would have to wait until closer to the deadline to make this trade. Let’s say they’re looking a bit short of title contention. Suddenly, committing a long-term contract to Thompson looks like a bad idea. In that event, this deal clears up some cap space for them.
Isaac’s deal runs through 2024-25, and Harris is on an expiring contract. Meanwhile, any of these players could help Golden State on a short-term basis. If Isaac can get healthy, this could be a win-now move for them.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors & Orlando Magic Updates
Even if he doesn’t, Harris can replicate some of Thompson’s production, and Ingles is a crafty, low-minute veteran. Should Orlando give up three rotation players for Thompson?
Why The Orlando Magic Do This Deal
Something tells us that Orlando won’t mind parting with Isaac. If he’s been healthy all year, that could change. Even still, they must be losing faith in Isaac – he’s among the most injury-prone players in the NBA.
Meanwhile, Thompson may be declining due to age. He’s still a large upgrade over Harris. Moreover, he’s exactly the type of player that the Magic need. This team is stacked with plus-size playmakers, but they need floor spacing. Thompson is one of the most lethal shooters in the entire league.
NBA TRADES & RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors & Orlando Magic Updates
As for his upcoming negotiations – Orlando doesn’t need to worry. Most of their significant players are on rookie deals. Thompson’s open market value isn’t likely to be prohibitive for a team in their situation. Negotiations should be manageable here – even if they get messy.
