At 6-6 through 12 games, the Golden State Warriors have been painfully average to start the 2023-24 season. The good news is that Stephen Curry looks as good as ever with averages of 30.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game on 48.8% shooting this season. Unfortunately, everyone else on the team has been nothing short of disappointing, including 5x All-Star Klay Thompson. And while the Dubs have had no involvement in the Zach LaVine trade rumors this season, their struggles out of the gate could force the team to take action.
One trade that makes sense for the Warriors is a straight-up swap between LaVine and Thompson, as they both make roughly the same salary at $40+ million per year. The only difference for Klay is that he’s in decline as a 33-year-old veteran coming off multiple injuries. Putting history aside, the best way for the Warriors to maximize their chances with Curry may be to trade Thompson for a player who can more consistently produce offensively.
Even so, trading Thompson would not be an easy task for a franchise that has invested so much in his career. After achieving so much success together, the Warriors will always trust Klay when the pressure is highest and the relationship he has built with the franchise and the city has made him virtually untouchable in trade talks.
LaVine And Curry Are A Dangerous Backcourt
Even at 35 years old, Steph Cury is still among the best players in the game and his presence has almost single-handedly kept the Warriors alive since winning the title in 2022. This season, however, Curry hasn’t gotten the kind of help he’s used to. Between Klay, Draymond, and Wiggins, none have cracked 20 points on the season and it’s left Steph on his own out there with Dario Saric as the team’s second-best player so far.
Zach LaVine could be the solution this team is looking for. While he’s a rather one-dimensional player his offensive talent would finally give the Warriors a more reliable scoring threat on the perimeter. As a three-level scorer who can also play above the rim, LaVine’s athleticism would make a fine pairing with Steph, whose long-distance shooting opens things up for everyone on the floor. Obviously, such a scenario is a long shot for now, but things could get desperate if Klay doesn’t wake up soon.
Klay’s Future Is Uncertain
After failing to come to terms on an extension with the Warriors, Klay Thompson is due to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. While experts were convinced that he was guaranteed to re-sign with Golden State, things could change if the two sides fail to see eye-to-eye on his financial worth. Like it or not, the Warriors have to be careful with how they spend their money.
If they pay their guys on their previous accomplishments alone, it could seriously jeopardize their chances to win right now. But with Stephen Curry still in MVP form, the time to go all-in is right now and the Warriors may not have the time to wait for Thompson to get back into form. Regardless, we’ll find out soon enough how important Klay Thompson’s future is to the modern-day Warriors.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
