Trade & FA 2024-25:

[mvossman]

Was toying with the idea around Klay Thompson.

Lots of billowing smoke that the Warriors aren't super motivated to meet his demands. ORL has cooled down a bit.

Latest rumor here:

NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
The Golden State Warriors have yet to offer Klay Thompson a contract, and it’s becoming increasingly likely that he could leave Golden State in free agency, per @anthonyVslater

“Talks are essentially frozen. With free agency now less than 10 days away, Thompson’s exit from the only franchise he has ever known feels closer and more probable than ever before.”


Anyways, the little tidbits for Klay has been he wants a higher contract than 2/48 (which is what the Warriors offered last year), and he wants at least a 3 year deal. If you're the Mavs, would you try and do a SnT of THJ+Powell+2025 to GSW for Klay where Klay signs a 4 year, 86 mil deal that starts at 20mil? Its a 100% trade match there for both teams. THJ+Powell are 20,193,183. That's how much Klay signs for his deal. GSW remains ever so slightly competitive with a clear defined role for THJ and they get a Looney replacement big.

Mavs can then go to Portland and trade Green for Thybulle. They'd be about 6.5 million under apron 1, which is enough cushion for a DJJ TP-MLE and a 2nd round draft pick being paid 1.1 mil to round out the roster.


I actually really love this roster. I think Klay's shooting opens up an entirely new dimension for this team. We've basically got a better version THJ (like all-time better version) on offense, and a better version of Green on defense.

Of course each dollar they can get for Klay to sign less means a lot. And this hinges on DJJ re-upping for a smaller amount than most think he'd sign for. If DJJ is adamant on resigning only for the full MLE, we'd have to cut bait on Maxi for a guy making less than 3 mil. Maybe to Philly for Batum making around BAE money?


Luka/Hardy/Exum
Kyrie/Thybulle
Klay/DJJ/#58 2nd round draft pick
PJ/Batum/Omax/Morris
Gafford/Lively

I'm not sure Klay is any better at defense than Green at this point, and he is definitely a significant downgrade from DJJ.  He is not the same player after that achillis, and he is 34.  Giving out a 90 mil contract and a first for somebody that old who has already started his decline seems like a panic move to me.  There is a real chance that contract is terrible in his first year.  Its going to be really hard to get behind giving a guy in his mid 30s a 4 year contract.  Doesn't seem like that is a direction this FO had been heading, especially with Cuban out.