NBA Exec Comments On Klay Thompson Trade Rumors

The Golden State Warriors are not looking like a true contender at this point in the season, and for the first team ever, Klay Thompson's name has been floating in trade rumors. The veteran Splash Bro. is an impending free agent, and discussions on an extension with the Dubs have not been going well. In addition, he's off to the worst start of his career, averaging 15.7 points on 40.8% shooting, and just 36.1% from long-range.

Are the Warriors really considering trading Steph Curry's longtime backcourt mate, and 4-time NBA champion? NBA Insider Zach Lowe said recently, “I’ve had four executives from other teams in the last 72 hours asked me, ‘Would they ever trade Klay Thompson?’ And the reason they’re asking is because teams see somewhat of an opportunity there. In terms of, ‘Can we get involved in a deal?'"

One league executive is highly skeptical that the Warriors would consider this, as he explained to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports:

Everybody knows Klay is frustrated. There is no hiding that. But there has not been one conversation about trading him at this point, and that won’t change as long as (fellow Splash Brother) Steph (Curry) is around. Steph would rather go down swinging with Klay than trade him for some shiny object that might or might not improve you a little. And, really, ownership would too, even if they’re frustrated with Klay on the contract stuff.

Thompson has averaged 19.7 points per game in his 11-year career, shooting 49% from the field, and 41.5% on threes. But as noted above, those numbers are all way down this year. The Warriors, too, are struggling as a whole, sitting at just 9-11, a notch below the Play-In line at the moment. 

Photo: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports