Klay Thompson (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson could emerge as an ideal trade target for the Philadelphia 76ers, who are still hoping to address their crowded frontcourt.
Rumors about the 76ers' frontcourt logjam died a bit, with Ben Simmons and Nerlens Noel on the sidelines due to injuries. But it still remains a problem for the team once all of Philly's big men becomes healthy, which could lead to the Sixers trading either Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor.
As it stands, Noel seems the odd man out in Philadelphia, with the team not showing any indications of retaining the 22-year-old center long-term. Noel's skills on the defensive end would have made him a keeper in Philly, but Joel Embiid's emergence as a defensive anchor could afford the 76ers to let go of the former.
Noel has yet to play this season due to a knee injury, but once in full health, he could be a valuable pick for teams needing a rebounding and shot-blocking center. With several teams looking to find a defensive big man, there should be plenty of options the 76ers could explore. But according to Jonathan Kelly of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, an ideal trade scenario for Philadelphia would be sending Noel to the Golden State Warriors for Klay Thompson.
"Klay Thompson remains one of the best pure shooters in the NBA even with the slow start this season. The Sixers need to build around Simmons and Embiid and having one extra big man while the team lacks a pure shooter just doesn't make sense," Kelly wrote.
"Thompson would fit like a glove with the Sixers current personnel. The offense will focus on Joel Embiid but they would have Ben Simmons facilitating the offense and Klay Thompson playing off both of them getting open shots."
Thompson being linked to trade rumors was short-lived, with the Warriors immediately shooting down speculations about the two-time All-Star's foreseeable future. But Thompson's ability to score in multiple ways makes him a perfect fit in the 76ers' frontcourt-heavy lineup.
With Embiid and Okafor posting as offensive threats inside the paint, Thompson would have enough space to score from the outside. Playing for a team like the 76ers also means more touches for Thompson, who is a career 41.7 shooter from the three-point area.
However, the Warriors do not seem interested in trading away Thompson, despite Golden State needing someone who could fill in the hole Andrew Bogut left. Thompson has been essential to the Warriors' success in the past seasons, and his contributions will be needed if they wish to reach the NBA Finals.
Simply put, the 76ers have no chance whatsoever in acquiring Thompson from the Warriors. But if by any chance Thompson becomes available, expect the 76ers to make a run at the sharp-shooter.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
