The Golden State Warriors have a Klay Thompson issue that isn’t going away anytime soon.
Thompson has struggled terribly this season, averaging only 13.8 points per game on 33% 3-point shooting through 12 games, according to Basketball Reference. Thompson is in the final year of a five-year, $190 million contract and is seeking a multiyear extension similar to ones given to Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green in recent years. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Thompson’s maximum contract with the Warriors is approximately $220 million over four years.
Over the summer, when Thompson technically became extension-eligible, the two sides made little headway at the negotiation table. Thompson’s career-low three-point percentage and lowest points-per-game average since his rookie season in 2011-12 don’t bode well for his financial or other future in the Bay Area.
On the Friday, November 17 broadcast of ESPN’s NBA Today, Kendrick Perkins urged that Golden State move Thompson to the highest bidder before the February 8 trade deadline. During the same broadcast, Zach Lowe noted that it is easier said than done. However, based on money and the needs of both organizations, Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat is the type of player who may fit into a deal with Thompson.
Warriors May Have to Package Asset to Trade Klay Thompson
Thompson’s work in 2023 has undoubtedly been influenced by Curry’s knee ailment and the NBA’s subsequent ban of Green. Nonetheless, Perkins made an impassioned case on Friday for the Warriors to move on.
“If Klay can’t get it going, that’s a problem,” said Perkins. “It’s actually time for Golden State to let Klay Thompson go.” I believe this marriage has run its course, and Klay requires a fresh start with a new company.”
“If we’re gonna sit here and say, ‘Trade Klay Thompson,’ you do gotta tell me where and for what?” Perkins was addressed by Lowe. “He’s a $43 million contract expiring who… isn’t playing well.” So, what am I giving up and what am I receiving in exchange for Klay Thompson? that’s much more difficult to do that – forgetting the sentiment, forgetting the history, forgetting the monument — just executing it mechanically is difficult.”
Perkins named the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks, both of whom Lowe discounted as needing to give up more assets for Thompson than they could receive in return. Then Perkins mentioned the Heat, which elicited a “not bad” remark from Lowe.
“There are some deals that make sense, and I’ll tell you where it really gets interesting,” he continued. “If you’re really desperate, if you’re the Warriors … and you’re willing to attach something to Klay Thompson — a pick, a young player — then you get yourself into some interesting conversations.”
Tyler Herro May Have Been on Trade Block All Summer
Herro, like Thompson, is a dynamic offensive player with the ability to fill it up from deep. According to Basketball Reference, the 23-year-old guard is averaging a career-high 22.9 points per game through eight games this season and is delivering the most efficient shooting of his five-year NBA career (44.7% from the field and 41% from deep).
However, after Herro’s Grade 2 ankle sprain against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 8, the Heat have been more productive. Following Herro’s injury, the club won four straight games and is now 4-1 with their leading scorer on the bench.
This isn’t the first time Miami has improved after Herro’s injury. In the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs in 2022, he broke his hand in Game 1. As a play-in No. 8 seed, the Heat stunned the Milwaukee Bucks and carried that momentum all the way to the NBA Finals. Despite Herro missing substantial time due to injuries, Miami reached the Eastern Conference Finals the year before.
