The Golden State Warriors have had a hellacious run over the past decade in the NBA winning four championships and appearing in six Finals over this time. One of the core pieces from the beginning of this dynasty has been Klay Thompson. Despite what Thompson has meant to this franchise, many people, including Warrior fans, are waiting for the team to trade the sharpshooter. If you’re on that hype train, you might want to slow down just a bit.
Despite reports that the Warriors are “open” to trade talks involving Thompson, there’s a much greater chance of Andrew Wiggins or even Draymond Green getting shipped out first. There are varied reasons, but the most important is the same thing that’s allowed Green to stay in San Francisco: Wardell Stephen Curry II.
Dray and Klay are Steph’s guys with whom he’s grown up with in this league. Besides Curry’s first two years, Thompson has been there with him since both were young pups in the NBA. Green came along the next year, and they’ve been the three amigos ever since. Even when they felt the need to bring in Kevin Durant, it’s always been the core three as the nucleus.
Most organizations would have moved on from a player who suffered horrific back-to-back injuries and missing two seasons in the manner that Klay did. With all of Green’s antics on the court and frequent suspensions, Golden State would be more than justified if they decided to cut the cord on Draymond. It’s been close to happening, but as long as Curry’s in his corner he has a spot on the Warriors, it seems.
Nothing is guaranteed in the sports world, but unless the Warriors come across some groundbreaking trade proposal for players that are assured to get the Warriors back into title contention, it’s unlikely we’ll see Thompson moved before the trade deadline.
No one wants to admit when it’s over. When it comes to winning championships, it feels like that window has closed in the Bay Area. Nobody wins forever and you have to enjoy the moment while you’re in it. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls’ run came to an abrupt end and that was it.
At least fans in the Bay Area probably won’t be caught off guard one day learning that it’s all done. And who knows, nobody thought Golden State would win it a couple years ago (besides me, of course) coming off a couple of dud injury-plagued campaigns. So, you can never fully slam the window shut, but unless they make some moves, it feels like this ride is winding down. But don’t expect the Warriors to come up by kicking Thompson to the curb anytime soon. He may not be what he once was, but he’s still got something in the tank to contribute.
