Klay Thompson (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
As a new calendar year unfolds, some NBA trade rumors and predictions may take a turn for the bizarre.
Despite the stern dismissal and eventual embarrassment of Brian Scalabrine, the trade for Klay Thompson continues to be speculated by hoops writers.
From Fansided site Sir Charles In Charge, Michael Saenz released a slew of predictions for 2017. One of the more curious ones is that he insists on a Klay Thompson trade.
"The Golden State Warriors are going to win the 2017 NBA Finals and then realize that they're going to have to pay Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. In an attempt to save a few bucks, they'll trade Klay Thompson, who becomes the odd man out of the three - assuming that they can't part ways with Draymond Green, the backbone of the team," Saenz claimed.
While it's true that among their four all stars, Thompson might be the most expendable: Kevin Durant is the team's new best player, Steph Curry is still the face of the franchise and Draymond Green the defensive anchor. But why would the Warriors even do this?
There is a price to pay for keeping four all stars in your team and with the latest CBA taking a real shot at superteams, it would be very difficult for the Warriors to keep all four players.
But we said "difficult," not "impossible."
In this feature, CBS sought to examine the possibilities that the Warriors have to face.
The big jump here is for Steph Curry. He is the league's biggest bargain up this season, a two-time MVP for $12 million is outrageous (Timofey Mozgov is getting $16 million, in contrast) but that will definitely change. Steph could sign a $207 million contract this summer if he chooses (and why wouldn't the Warriors offer it).
The CBA has made it difficult for stars to leave their teams and the difference if Curry leaves for another team is now $80 million. This is not even a topic-Curry isn't leaving. He has his Bird Rights so there won't be any complication for the Warriors.
Durant is a slightly different story. He must take a pay cut so the team can sign Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. If he takes the max, the players of consequence are Iggy and Livingston, not Klay or Draymond.
The Warriors will not be forced to trade Klay, as CBS' Matt Moore noted in a scenario where they trade Klay or Draymond.
"Again, this is super unlikely and would necessitate the Warriors deciding they need depth over four All-NBA players and Durant to be unwilling to help them make room to build a better team around him by taking less than the max. It's just not something that seems like a realistic possibility, but it is a possibility."
If a team offers a package of three bench players that would perfectly complement Curry, Durant and Green, the Warriors might consider but barring that, Klay Thompson isn't moving.
