The end of an NBA dynasty can be difficult to watch. When a dynasty is at its peak, it feels like it will never end. It will. No dynasty can last forever.
The Golden State Warriors are learning that lesson. This dynasty is collapsing. The Warriors have been title contenders for years, but as it stands, they don’t even look like a playoff team.
How should the Warriors respond? Well, they have a range of options. The Warriors could be sellers at the trade deadline to start preparing for the future. Alternatively, they could make a win-now move in a bid for one more title. Could they send Klay Thompson to the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: G Jordan Clarkson, F/C Kelly Olynyk
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Klay Thompson, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – GSW)
The end of a dynasty is difficult to watch. By contrast, the beginning of a dynasty can be difficult to identify. Look at the Warriors. This team didn’t look like a budding dynasty – until suddenly, they did.
How did it happen? A series of factors converged. The Warriors were seemingly forced to choose between Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. They made the right decision. After choosing Curry, they continued to make good choices.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz Updates
Draymond Green is one of the best second-round picks of all time. Meanwhile, Thompson emerged as a cornerstone player as well. Now, the Jazz are hoping to build their own dynasty. Could they start by acquiring Thompson?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz are in an interesting position. This team has a lot of options. The Jazz have quality veterans. They also have intriguing young talent and a cache of draft capital.
They should prioritize the future. This team isn’t in the title picture. So, flipping two quality players for a first-round pick and a swap will benefit them. Taking Clarkson out of the rotation to provide Keyonte George and Collin Sexton with more on-ball reps is beneficial as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz Updates
Meanwhile, Thompson is on a huge expiring deal. The Jazz will have tremendous financial flexibility this summer if they’re making this deal. Should the Warriors give them that flexibility?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors are in less of an interesting situation – and more of a desperate one. This team has an expensive roster full of veterans. Meanwhile, they’ve got a losing record. The Warriors need to pick a direction and commit to it.
Selling may be more appealing. With Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody on the roster, the Warriors have a head start. On the other hand, it must be tempting to pursue championship glory one more time.
This deal would help them do that. Clarkson is a dynamic offensive guard who can create shots for himself and his teammates.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz Updates
Olynyk is a combo big who can defend in certain schemes, space the floor, and make plays. Adding them both at the cost of a declining Thompson would make them a much better team – it could even help them extend their dynasty.
