Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson reacted to reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to trade for him in exchange for Kyrie Irving, who was later shipped to the Boston Celtics. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Thompson said he’s honored to attract the interest of the Cavaliers, but he’s more than happy to remain with the Warriors. “It shows the Warriors believe in me and other teams want me to be a part of their success,” said Thompson, per Slater’s tweet.
Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated reported that the Cavaliers offered Irving to the Warriors for Thompson but Golden State declined.
Thompson said he appreciated what the Warriors did because he’s been included in some trade rumors in the past. “It’s flattering, and I do appreciate it,” said Thompson. Last season, the 27-year-old Thompson played a key role in the Warriors’ run to their second NBA championship in three years. He averaged 22.3 points in the regular season and made 41.4 percent of his shots from three-point range despite sacrificing his touches in favor of Kevin Durant. In the playoffs, Thompson’s scoring dropped to 15.0 points, but it did not matter as Durant took over for the Warriors en route to a 4-1 win over the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
Pacers offered Paul George for Thompson
Thompson also drew the interest of the Indiana Pacers in the offseason.
The Pacers inquired with the Warriors about the possibility of trading Paul George for Thompson. However, the Warriors declined to part ways with Thompson, who has been with Golden State since he was picked 11th overall in 2011. The Pacers then shipped George to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.
Warriors might let go of Thompson in the future
The Warriors may be intact for now, but Zach Lowe of ESPN said there would come the point where they must part ways with one of their big-name players. Lowe said it could be Thompson, who can ask for a maximum deal after the 2018-19 season. Thompson has two years remaining on his four-year, $70 million deal that he signed in 2014.
The Warriors managed to keep the core of their lineup after Durant accepted a pay cut, signing just a two-year deal worth $53 million. Through Durant’s generosity, the Warriors kept sixth man Andre Iguodala, backup playmaker Shaun Livingston, veteran power forward David West and backup center JaVale McGee. The Warriors also signed shooting guard Nick Young and Omri Casspi from the free-agent pool.
