The Warriors blew out the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and received little offensive help from sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Thompson posted just six points on 3-of-16 shooting as teammates Kevin Durant (38 points) and Stephen Curry (28 points) picked up the slack. Despite his shooting, Thompson’s impact was felt on on the defensive side of the ball.
Thompson’s defense on LeBron James, J.R. Smith, and Kevin Love helped Golden State in its 113-91 win, entering Sunday’s Game 2 with an early series lead. However, Thompson’s struggles with shooting in the playoffs have been evident; one half of the Splash Brothers is shooting 36.6 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from beyond the arc, and hasn’t posted a 20-point game since Game 4 of the Semifinals against the Jazz on May 8. The reason could be a prolonged slump or it could be the addition of Durant disrupting his role on offense. Either way, Dennis Chambers of Basketball Insiders feels that the 76ers should pursue the 27-year-old shooting guard.
During a recent interview on Philadelphia ESPN radio affiliate, 97.5 The Fantatic, Thompson’s father and former first overall pick Mychal Thompson spoke highly of the Sixers’ evolving core.
“Yes, [former general manager] Sam Hinkie was right,” Thompson told host Mike Missanelli. “The talent that he amassed there with Ben [Simmons] and Joel [Embiid], as long as those two guys stay healthy Philadelphia is the team of the future in the Eastern Conference. No doubt about that. They’re going to be better than Washington, better than Atlanta, better than Toronto. Love that roster that you have there in Philly right now.”
The elder Thompson also added that Philadelphia is “one shooter” away from being a complete team, mentioning soon-to-be free agent J.J. Redick as a target. However, Redick is 32 years old and is closer to the end of his prime whereas Thompson is in the midst of his. Thompson is no stranger to trade rumors as his name was connected to a possible Love deal years ago before the Cavaliers — the Warriors’ opponent in the NBA Finals the last three years — snagged the talented big man. Thompson told Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post last January how much those rumors motivated him.
“A little bit. I was very happy. But I did take it as motivation,” Thompson said. “I had to prove they made the right decision. But I also look at the bright side of everything. It also meant that I’m wanted. It did motivate me to prove them right, and show them they made the right decision, and just keep working.”
For his part, Thompson enjoyed a strong regular season, posting 22.3 PPG while shooting .468 percent from the field and .414 percent from three. Any trade talks for Thompson with the 76ers would likely include the team’s third overall pick and other young assets.
That brings up a few questions: Is trading Thompson something the Warriors should explore this offseason? What should the team look to acquire in such a scenario? Could Kevin Durant‘s hefty salary in the future be a good reason to deal Thompson now?
No. You deal with that bridge when you come to it but keep this historic team together as long as you can.
Can’t see Myers breaking up the splash bros.
Ridiculous question. Some things don’t deserve the dignity of a response. Jerry West and Steve Kerr shot down trading Klay once already. Kerr values defense greatly. He won’t be traded.
It’s the Chris Bosh effect. Not enough ball to go around with Durant and Curry on the same team. Klay is still great and Warriors should keep him. He helps just by existing.
And when someone else is slumping he will be able to step forward and become a main scorer.
Klay is the best SG in a league right now
1. Klay
2. Booker
3. Beal
All NBA voters say otherwise lol
As a Suns fan I admit Booker isn’t there yet. Plus I would say its Klay, DeRozan than Bradley. And that’s if you consider Butler a SF since he had to move there due to Wade
klay defended well in game 1
Klay is staying
This is against commenting policy, but it has to be said…this is incredibly dumb for several reasons, and it’s so dumb, those reasons don’t even have to be explained. Klay is fine. Klay is staying. If anything happens as he approaches FA, I’d be pretty surprised, but that depends on how the rest of the roster looks by then.
Out of all the warriors Klay is most likely the one that will leave. He is about to have 2 rings he should leave and get his money.
He is signed to a near max 5 year deal
Giving 20 M to 33 yr old JJ Reddick for 3 or 4 years is NOT a good idea. Giving up all your assets for the next 2 years to the Warriors for 2 years of Klay Thompson is equally NOT a good idea esp since he’d be unrestricted.
I would much rather they did this deal:
Allen Crabbe 3/56.3M and Meyers Leonard 3/31.7M (or 29.3M/year) + Portland’s 2020, 2022, and 2023 1st round picks for… Gerald Henderson (9M non-guaranteed) and 2 to 4 of the 2017 2nd round picks.
That would put them at 71M next year. Figure add 20M in 2019 for Embiid. When those 2 contracts are up is when Ben Simmons and Dario Saric have to get paid (21-22 season).
Klay is not happy their anymore… he struggles because he can’t play at the pace Durant and Curry are playing… he’s ah catch and shoot player… now the ball touches everyone’s hands B4 it gets to him… by that time he’s covered… not to mention he’s getting half the touches he normally gets
I don’t think you watch the Warriors much. And you personally know Klay to know he’s not happy there?
This is false. He excelled all year long it was only recently in the playoffs that he has struggled.
Can anyone name a player, a 2 guard, who can play at both ends like Klay? I’m talking about someone active. And, he’s 6’7, scored 37 points in one quarter, 60 in 29 minutes in another, and the only 3pt shooter ahead of Klay is Steph. This is really a reach for even bringing up the notion. Did anyone see the first possession when he switched onto Love and forced him into an air ball? You’re dreaming if you think it’s going to happen. And, who would the 76ers have that would interest the Warriors and could be moved?
The trade is for draft picks 2017 3rd and 2019 Kings and Saric. As laid out by the folks on radio.
Lol. Even for onpy 2 years, especially at Klays good contract, It would have to include the 3rd pick, Ben Simmons, and another asset at the least b/c of the injury. Not happening
I didn’t see you mentioned Saric, but it would have to be at least what I said plus probably something else to even get a conversation potentially started, and that conversation wouldn’t go anywhwre
Klay seems tight. It appears that he’s thinking when he shoots. Just release the ball. Visualize relaxing and releasing shots. Never trade him – too good all around – great defender. Great shooter.