The future of the Warriors and Klay Thompson is looking cloudy, with the four-time champion on the verge of free agency without signing a new contract. The Warriors don’t think Klay is worth what he believes himself to be and will be looking at possible new situations in the NBA. The Clippers could be an unexpected destination for the swingman.
The Clippers are looking to reinforce their team amidst their move to their new arena and in the final years of contention with Kawhi Leonard. While they have to work out Paul George returning to the franchise, they could make a move for Thompson on the Warriors with a tactical sign-and-trade, provided Klay re-signs on a three-year, $60 million contract.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Klay Thompson
Golden State Warriors Receive: Norman Powell, No. 46 Pick 2024 NBA Draft, 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
The Clippers acquire one of the greatest shooters of his generation for a bargain price by committing to a long-term contract with him with minimal draft compensation to take the disgruntled star to his hometown.
The Warriors Begin Re-Tooling Without Klay Thompson
The Warriors are at a crossroads with Klay Thompson. It’s not easy to let go of a franchise legend like Klay without feeling a lot of pain, but if the franchise knows it needs to keep contending around Stephen Curry, they know keeping Klay around on a sizable contract will restrict their movability.
Norman Powell would be a versatile scorer to add in Klay’s place. While he isn’t the sniper that Thompson has been for the Warriors, he’s an all-around scorer who can find a spot anywhere on the court. He averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists last season for the Clippers, shooting 43.5% from three on 5.1 attempts per game. He’s an active off-ball player as well, providing offensive continuity and versatility, with Powell thriving as a sixth man.
Golden State wants to give more opportunity to Brandin Podziemski, the 2023 draftee who replaced Klay in the starting lineup last season. Podz’s development has been rapid and if the Warriors want to continue playing him as their starting shooting guard next to Steph, getting someone like Powell to be the bench scorer instead of expecting Klay to do it could make the roster fit better.
This deal begins the process of moving on from Klay and allows the Warriors to get a solid return with minor draft assets to part with him. Powell could thrive in a bench role with the Warriors, as the team has missed having a bench scorer since Jordan Poole’s departure.
The Clippers Add Another Los Angeles Native To Their Roster
One of the core aspects of the Clippers’ current roster is their bringing together various Los Angeles natives who have been All-Stars in the NBA. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook are all LA natives who now play in their home city with the Clippers. Thompson also grew up in Los Angeles, with his father Mychal being a Lakers legend and still working for the franchise as a commentator.
Even if it’s not the Lakers, being back home will have massive allure for the 35-year-old Thompson. He averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, shooting 38.7% on 9 attempts per game from three. He might be on the last legs of his career, but his shooting numbers are still among the best in the NBA. They aren’t what the Warriors need from their second scoring option, but he would work really well on a more talented Clippers roster.
Thompson can form a starting backcourt with James Harden and provide crucial floor spacing. Paul George’s future is still up in the air, but the Clippers will be incentivized to bring him back and contend with this group if they can execute a trade for Thompson. Harden, Klay, George, and Kawhi form an excellent four-man unit where either Ivica Zubac or Mason Plumlee can function as a non-shooting center.
Klay leaving the Warriors is quite unthinkable for many modern NBA fans, so if he does do so, it’ll be great to see him go to a different contender and continue playing on a relevant franchise. This being his hometown as well is a nice bonus.
Klay Thompson Embarks On A New Journey
A deal like this isn’t easy to stomach for anyone, but the Warriors losing Klay for nothing would be an absolute disaster. Thompson’s playing ability won’t land them the second star they are looking for next to Steph Curry, but it could land them a valuable player who can make winning contributions. Powell has proven he’s capable of the same on the Clippers and could thrive with a greater offensive role off the bench for the Warriors.
Klay has never played outside the Warriors’ system, so adapting to Ty Lue and the Clippers could be a monumental challenge. But with a floor general like Harden running the ball, Klay could find himself perfectly set up for catch-and-shoot opportunities playing off Harden, George, and Kawhi.
If the Clippers lose even one of Harden and George in the summer, this deal will look a lot harder to stomach given how greatly it switches the odds of their contention. Thompson would be a phenomenal ancillary piece, but if he has to be relied upon as one of the major scoring options, the Clippers could find themselves in trouble.
Klay’s dependable enough to occasionally carry the offense, but his inconsistency has troubled the Warriors as well. His shooting prowess as a rotational piece cannot be argued with, so hopefully the Clippers could give him another chance at a title.
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