As Warriors Swap $27,455,357 for a Legendary Point Guard, Sharpshooter Klay Thompson Gives Voice to His Excitement Playing Alongside the 12-Time All Star

The Golden State Warriors were in an odd situation before the 2023 NBA drats. They faced a pivotal decision around their floor general, Draymond Green, and their up-and-coming superstar, Jordan Poole. Amidst many controversies, GSW took no time in retaining the dynasty core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. They made one of the most beneficial trades in the 2023 off-season. They traded Jordan Poole in a three-way deal to acquire the 12-time all-star, Chris Paul.

Draymond Green and Steph have opened up on the Warriors’ latest playoff struggles. The champions claimed a need for a fully functioning second unit ahead of their early upset. Chris Paul is an 18-season veteran who has not only seen but has been relevant in the constantly changing style of the NBA. In a recent interview, Klay Thompson recognizes precisely that and other healthy areas of the CP3 trade.

Klay Thompson rests Chris Paul on a pedestal

The Chris Paul acquisition certainly raised debates. It leaves fans and experts questioning how Curry and Paul would coexist in the same role. However, Paul’s arrival has sent ripples of excitement through the Golden State locker room. On the latest launch of Podcast P with Paul George, Klay Thompson expressed his belief that obtaining CP3 was a stroke of luck. “I mean, we are lucky. That’s one of the greatest players ever. He’s top 75. He’s elevated every franchise he ran the point for”, he said.

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He added the move is bound to inject a fresh dynamic into the team’s synergy. “And me as a shooter, I’m excited. I just know CP’s gonna put it right here on the seams, he’s gonna set me up nice, Imma get a couple of extra easy buckets every night, and he’s a winner. I’ve played against him so many times; you see how competitive he is. He’ll do anything to win. That’s the vibe we want.”

In the?full episode of Podcast P, the four-time NBA Champion discusses the 2022 Warriors season. Klay also reminisces about his AAU Basketball days alongside PG and Dallas and his pivotal decision to pursue basketball. Furthermore, he shares his instances with Kobe Bryant during his youth and rookie NBA years.

Klay Thompson and Mike Dunleavy Jr. believe in their new veteran

Warriors’ newly instated GM, Mike Dunleavy Jr., believes the addition of Chris Paul to work wonders. Acquiring Chris Paul necessitated the Warriors trading away the young Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards. Mike Dunleavy Jr. justified this strategic decision, emphasizing that the seasoned point guard can address gaps that Poole might lack the capacity to handle. At the same time, this is not a shot at Poole’s abilities but an acknowledgment of Paul’s experience and skills.

Paul holds a $30.8 million payment option for 2023-24. However, his earnings for 2024-25 lack a guarantee. Additionally, he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025 (at 40 years). In the meantime, Poole inked a four-year contract extension amounting to $128 million, which lasts until the conclusion of the 2026-27 NBA season.

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The trade adds caliber to the squad and helps the organization financially. This decision becomes pivotal for a team that might face complex choices ahead. Klay is on the cusp of the final year in his five-year $189.3 million contract. The Warriors can shift their focus to Klay Thompson in the coming year with the new monetary flexibility. However, in the present moment, the Warriors’ core remains unbroken and prepared to pave the way for Chris Paul’s first-ever NBA championship.