The Cavaliers completed a trade with their top Eastern competitor on Tuesday and had apparently been willing to deal with another notable rival. Before they worked out an agreement with the Celtics that sent Kyrie Irving to Boston, the Cavs called the Warriors to inquire about a possible swap involving Irving and Klay Thompson, reports Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. Spears describes Golden State as “uninterested.”
[RELATED: Celtics acquire Kyrie Irving from Cavaliers]
From a cap perspective, a Thompson/Irving deal would have made some sense, since both players have two guaranteed seasons left on their respective contracts and are earning similar salaries. However, there was little reason for the Warriors to break up the core of a roster that is coming off a championship, particularly since Thompson – an excellent shooter and defender who doesn’t need the ball much – is probably a better fit in Golden State than Irving would have been.
It’s the second time this offseason that we’ve heard about a team shopping a star and contacting the Warriors about a possible deal involving Thompson. The Pacers reportedly reached out to Golden State about a potential Paul George/Thompson swap back in June. As they did when the Cavs called about Irving, the Warriors told the Pacers they weren’t interested, which Thompson appreciates, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
“It’s really cool,” Thompson told Slater. “It shows the Warriors believe in me and these other teams want me to be a part of their success. So I appreciate it. I’ve been in trade rumors forever. Everyone has. Except for maybe LeBron James, Steph [Curry] — well, even Steph early in his career. It’s part of the business. It is flattering and I do appreciate it.
“When you hear the rumors, it means you’re wanted,” Thompson added. “You’re doing something right. Look at the bright side. But I’m happy I’m still with the Warriors. I hope to be here my whole career. It’s a great place to play.”
Smoke, fire… so many teams asking on Thompson and this stuff making it to the press, someone in his camp is back channelling. He’s caught the same thing Kyrie’s caught, wants to be his own man, wants out.
It’s really hard to read into his comments about it because he doesn’t really express much emotion to the press but you’re probably right about someone in his camp leaking this stuff.
If Irving wanted to be the central player on the team, why would he want to go to Golden State which has Curry and Durant on the team?
He doesn’t have a choice. No no-trade clause.
GSW has been consistent abou not breaking up the splash bros. Why even ask. Not convinced they did.
I agree, but soon someone will leave. Either Klay or Green it looks as of now
LeBron with Thompson, Love and JR on the wings would be pretty great
I would’ve taken PG over Klay personally, just because George is more well rounded on offense, where Klay is a shooter, albeit a great one. The contract situation I get, but just on talent and fit, I would’ve liked George better. Then again, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I could go either way I guess.
Irving I wouldn’t have done though because he may have the most talent, but he’s a defensive liability and I don’t think he’d mesh well with Curry. That would’ve made for another interesting storyline though.