It’s rumor season around the NBA. Here at NBA Analysis, we’re putting the pieces together. With that in mind, some teams are more worth watching than others.
Around the league, there are obvious buyers and obvious sellers. The Golden State Warriors could fall into the former camp. This team has fallen short of expectations in 2023-24.
At the same time, Steph Curry is still performing at a peak level. The Warriors still have a title window. If they want to exploit it, they may have to make a major move.
By contrast, the Chicago Bulls should be sellers. They’re falling short of expectations as well, but there’s no reason to think this team will contend for the title.
Could they absorb Klay Thompson’s contract as a result?
NBA Trade Proposal: Chicago Bulls Land Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan, C Nikola Vucevic
With that said, rumors are notoriously unreliable. That’s what makes them rumors. Who knows? Everything that we’re hearing could end up being false.
For example, the Warriors may not be willing to move Thompson. That would be understandable. While it’s rumored that Thompson and the Warriors can’t agree on his next contract, he means a lot to this franchise. Both sides may work something out.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls Updates
Moreover, the Bulls are equally rumored to be disinterested in selling. Who knows? They could try to add another win-now player to their core.
Could they go this route instead?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
They should. If the Bulls are buyers at this year’s deadline, it will be an organizational failure. This team is not remotely close to title contention. They’re light on young players and assets. Something needs to change in the Windy City.
This feels like a good start. The Bulls won’t be interested in Thompson. Still, they could be interested in his expiring contract. Starting their rebuild with a clean financial slate would be a reasonable priority for this organization.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls Updates
Still, they should emphasize acquiring draft capital above all else. Here, they’re landing two unprotected firsts. That’s a sensible return for a pair of flawed veterans like DeRozan and Vucevic.
Should the Warriors be interested in either?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
What flaws? Well, neither DeRozan or Vucevic is a plus defender. DeRozan also struggles to space the floor. The Bulls should make them both available, but they shouldn’t be holding out for more than a first-round pick – at best – for either.
Yet, the Warriors should be happy to part with a pair of picks if they’re landing them both. DeRozan is a dynamic playmaker who ought to thrive alongside Steph Curry’s three-point gravity.
Meanwhile, Vucevic would enhance their floor spacing – and offer some playmaking of his own. In simpler terms, this deal gives the Warriors enough talent to compete for the NBA title.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls Updates
Thompson’s play has declined, and they’re much better on paper if they make this deal. Don’t be surprised if some version of this rumor turns into reality.
