By all accounts, the Golden State Warriors haven’t dreamed of trading Klay Thompson. The 31-year-old forward is a solid two-way player, 5x All-Star, and a fan favorite. To trade Thompson would be considered a betrayal by many in the NBA community.
But the truth is, Thompson’s string of injuries (first an Achilles in 2019, then his ACL in the 2020 offseason) has complicated matters for the Warriors, and not for the better. Will he ever be the same player again? Is there any hope he can stay healthy for an extended period of time?
Considering Klay is set to make $157.2 million over the next four years, those aren’t the kind of questions you want to be asking.
So, with the current situation in mind, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley illustrated one trade scenario that could see the Dubs bid farewell to their beloved shooting guard in exchange for a young and win-now player in Myles Turner.
Splitting up the Splash Brothers? Say it isn’t so.
OK, we will. There’s zero indication out of Northern California the Warriors would even entertain the idea. In fact, any hopes they’re entertaining of returning to title contention in 2021-22 heavily involve a healthy Klay Thompson.
But the fact that the “healthy” qualifier must be attached is why the five-time All-Star gets mentioned in the worst-contracts conversation. The next time he takes the floor will be the first time since June 2019 due to the ACL tear that wiped out last season and the torn Achilles that erased this one. Considering his 31st birthday is behind him, he’s now racing against time to recapture what’s left of his prime.
Turner would perk up the paint protection and stretch out opposing defenses as a 6’11”, 250-pounder with a three-ball. Jeremy Lamb could slide into Thompson’s vacated spot, while Justin Holiday could handle a reserve role like he did for the 2014-15 Dubs.”
It sounds absurd to trade a multiple-time All-Star for a 12-point-per-game scorer, but Turner is a guy who can provide everything the Warriors need: rim protection, rebounding, and an interior presence on both ends of the floor. This season, Myles is averaging 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game on 50.9% shooting.
Of course, for Indiana, they get to test a trio of Thompson, Malcolm Brogdon, and Domantas Sabonis. That alone should be enough to make some noise in the East.
Obviously, no trade is imminent for either team and it remains to be seen what Thompson will look like coming back from injury. For now, all we can do is watch and see how everything plays out as the NBA’s trade deadline inches closer.
