NBA history is full of iconic duos. A pair of elite players can lead a team to great success. With that in mind, breaking up an iconic duo is always tricky.
Look at the Golden State Warriors. The Splash Brothers have been instrumental to the Warriors’ success. The Warriors will never say goodbye to Steph Curry – he’s arguably the greatest player in the franchise’s history. What about Klay Thompson?
That’s a different story. It seems as if Thompson and the Warriors haven’t agreed on the value of his next contract. It may seem unthinkable, but it’s becoming increasingly possible that the Warriors could move Thompson.
Could they send him to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Tobias Harris?
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Tobias Harris
It will be remembered fondly if Thompson’s time on the Warriors is done. The Warriors have been the league’s most recent dynasty. Thompson was perhaps the best 3-and-D guard in the NBA in his prime.
The way that the Warriors built their dynasty was noteworthy. This team never tanked. The Warriors were a laughingstock throughout the 90s but gradually built their way up. They eventually built the best team in the league through some savvy drafting.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors Updates
The Sixers took the opposite approach. This team tanked flagrantly for some time. The result has been a degree of success, but they haven’t won a championship yet.
Does this deal get them closer?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Thompson isn’t the only player with upcoming contract negotiations. Harris is on an expiring deal as well. There’s some irony in the Sixers moving him ahead of his talks – some fans have wanted them to move him for years.
The point here isn’t to save financially. For the Sixers, this is about getting a protected first-round pick. This organization recouped some assets by moving James Harden earlier in the year. Following this deal, they’ll enter the summer with some cap space and enough draft capital to trade for a star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors Updates
Meanwhile, Thompson could still be a contributor. His play has declined, but he’s still a useful floor spacer. Should the Warriors say goodbye to him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors could look to move Thompson, but they shouldn’t expect a haul for him. Any team trading for him will know that his negotiations are coming up. Moreover, he’ll be a free agent – Thompson could be a one-year rental.
Granted, so could Harris. Meanwhile, he’s having a bit of a shooting slump this year. If the Warriors wanted, they could move Thompson for an overpaid player on a longer deal. They could also attach more draft capital and/or young players to his deal and trade for a star.
Here, they’re opting to maintain their financial flexibility. Meanwhile, they’re still upgrading their roster. Harris is a more gifted shot-creator and, at this stage, a better defender than Thompson.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors Updates
If he starts knocking down triples again, he could help the Warriors get back into the title picture – even if it means saying goodbye to Thompson.
