The NBA trade rumors have lit up with several scenarios involving big men but one star guard has also been mentioned.
Klay Thompson has to be the biggest surprise here. The Splash Brother was thought to be untouchable for the Golden State Warriors but all that has changed with the acquisition of Kevin Durant.
Thompson's role with the Warriors has diminished-that can't be denied. He was the clear second option but now he plays behind two MVP's. The Warriors are at the top of the NBA now but they are still not the "superteam" that was hyped all summer and it's clear that teams are pouncing on their glaring weakness.
This was the basis for the Celtics rumor that was promptly debunked, but Sam Amick of USA Today warned that we should not close the book on a KlayThompson trade.
"So while this Celtics situation appears to be nothing more than a rumor, teams will most certainly come calling for Thompson between now and when the trade buzzer bell finally rings," Amick said.
While Thompson has talked about his willingness to sacrifice and his loyalty to the organization, Amick questioned just how far he can go. Unless the Warriors become insanely dominant (which they aren't), Thompson is likely to lose his All-Star status because of his diminished role and the dominant guards of the West. James Harden and Damian Lillard who weren't original All-Star choices are having MVP-like seasons leading their teams. It's tough to choose Klay over them.
The Warriors should "protect his (Thompson's) pride" as Amick said and stand firm, but since they rely heavily on Kevin Durant and Draymond Green as their frontline options at the end game, the Warriors would be vulnerable if one of them is injured.
The Warriors could still have production from Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston and rookie Patrick McCaw and could play Durant at the three position more if they trade Klay for a frontline player.
Perhaps an ideal hypothetical trade would be sending Klay Thompson to the Orlando Magic for Serge Ibaka. In theory, the Magic finally get a star capable of being a first option scorer. They already have Bismack Biyombo for frontline defense and can also move Aaron Gordon to the four spot.
There is already some remorse on the Serge Ibaka trade from the Orlando Magic front, as noted by Hoops Habit. They needed a star and they needed frontline defense but their backcourt scoring needs work.
For the Warriors, Ibaka is their ideal rim protector who knows how to play with Kevin Durant. Their roster would be more balanced if they have three reliable frontline players. The only problem with this trade is that Ibaka is an expiring contract and Thompson is on a long-term deal that's a bargain in today's NBA.
The Magic may need to add another player like Evan Fournier and the Warriors could send Kevon Looney or David West back to Orlando.