Warriors News: Joe Lacob Urged to Keep 1x NBA Champ Over Klay Thompson by Bay Area Veteran

It seems like the likelihood of Klay Thompson entering free agency is getting as real as it can get. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, there has been no move towards a resolution from either side, league sources say. The Splash Brother had one of his worst seasons in 2023-24. Since his rookie days, this was the first time that we saw him coming off the bench. There was an improvement as Klay embraced his Sixth Man role, but it wasn’t enough to convince the Warriors of a hassle-free contract agreement like 2019.

It was the last time that the California native was a free agent. There was hardly any need for discussion at all. They wasted no time in making a 5-year $190 million deal as soon as he hit free agency. However, that isn’t a luxury Thompson has now. It is at such a moment that 95.7 THE GAME host, Daryle “Guru” Johnson, dropped an interesting take. “I would choose Andrew Wiggins over Klay Thompson.” He thinks it’s unlikely that Wiggs staying back would work out. Notably, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, Wiggins is viewed as a potential trade chip.

“That is the big chip they have to play,” the executive said. He was referring to the financial struggles of the Warriors. On one hand, the Dubs management wants to shake up the roster and give it a more youthful uplift. On the other hand, the franchise would like to get under the luxury tax at least this year, so that it will give them more flexibility in the future. That’s where Andrew Wiggins enters.

“They looked at trading him at the deadline but there was not anything there for them, nothing serious. But it is a foregone conclusion they’re going to look to do it again. They will have to put in young pieces, but he’s their only real path to retooling that roster,” the NBA exec further explained.

The 2022 NBA champion still has three years left on his four-year $109 million contract. So, if they can manage to ship him and the remaining $84.7 million, the GSW could achieve everything mentioned above.

Can the Dubs benefit from keeping Andrew Wiggins?

“Can he be a 3?” This was Steve Kerr’s question during a press conference when asked about Andrew Wiggins. “As a 3, you handle the ball more … I think he sees the floor pretty well, but his fundamentals in terms of passing have to improve if he’s going to play the 3,” Kerr pointed out. With the Golden State looking to lean more on Jonathan Kuminga going forward, Coach Kerr was looking at how the Canadian native would suit a defensive lineup involving Trayce Jackson-Davis and Draymond Green.

“We need him to play the 3 if we want to have Trayce [Jackson-Davis] out there at the 5 and Draymond [Green], at the 4. That, ideally, would be a great defensive lineup, athletically and length. But we’re not ready for that yet as a team,” the Dubs’ coach added.

While Joe Lacob and Kerr both made it clear that they were more than happy keeping Chris Paul, there wasn’t such positive affirmation for Wiggins. However, the one-time All-Star is entering his prime. As such, the arguably worst season he is having this year is generally considered as being a one-time thing. After all, he played a key role in the Dubs’ 2022 title run.

His defensive capabilities are elite, making his salary reasonable enough. Wiggins is also averaging 18.5 points per game in his career – a sign he could very well get his offense going. The man admitted that although he didn’t have a good season; he started picking it up in the second half.

Andrew wasn’t lying. As opposed to the 11.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists (41.8 FG% and 29.5% from three) in the first 35 games, No. 22 averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists (48.3 FG% and 41.7% from three) in the last 35. Well, what do you say? Would he be better suited in the Bay Area than Klay Thompson? Let us know your thoughts!

Before you go, another matter that is foremost in our minds is about our beloved Inside the NBA crew. While many are sure they are going to be disbanded, Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.