Klay Thompson (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat could emerge as a potential destination for Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson.
Rumors about the Warriors shopping Klay Thompson have emerged as early as this season over concerns about the All-Star's awkward fit in Golden State's super team. Former NBA player and CSNNE Boston Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine claimed that Thompson could be available via trade, with the Celtics appearing as a potential destination.
"I heard this weekend that Klay Thompson may be available; I heard that rumor going around involved with a team that wears green," Scalabrine told Frank Isola on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
Trade rumors about Thompson was quickly shot down by the Warriors, according to Sam Amick of USA Today Sports. But the need for the Warriors to acquire a defensive big man is real, and it is a possibility that could be explored if they fail to yield good results by midseason.
It is unclear whether the Warriors would entertain such move, but the team has plenty of options to explore if they make Thompson available. Recent speculations have touted Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel as a potential trade target for the Warriors at the expense of Thompson, but Corey Seidman of CSN Philly listed other players the team could look at, which includes Miami Heat's Hassan Whiteside.
"If you trade Klay Thompson, you can get almost anything you want," Seidman wrote. "If the Heat would consider a Thompson-for-Hassan Whiteside swap, that would also be a better option than trading for Noel."
Whiteside has plenty to offer Golden State compared to what Noel could bring on the table. The 27-year-old center, who signed a multi-year contract with the Heat this past summer, would immediately address the Warriors' need of a defensive big man. He led the league in blocked shots last season, averaging a staggering 3.7 blocks a game.
However, trading for Whiteside would likely require the Warriors to include another player down the rotation. A package consisting of Thompson and Shaun Livingston would work under NBA salary guidelines, although it is unclear whether the Warriors would be willing to let go of both players, who have been essential in the team's success the past two seasons.
As it stands, the Warriors seem keen in keeping hold of Thompson for the rest of the season. Likewise, the Heat have not shown any signs of trading away Whiteside for an All-Star caliber player like Thompson. But if things do not pan out for the Warriors, Thompson could once again find his name in the rumor mill.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
