Warriors News: $8 Million Asset Could Become Sacrificial Pawn to Lure Paul George, Amid Klay Thompson Exit Rumors

Ever since their championship run in 2017, the Warriors never had a reliable big man. They even signed Cousins following their back-to-back title run, as they tried to have a dominant presence in the paint. But till 2021, the Warriors were better off playing small ball. Just then, their longtime role player, standing at 6-foot-9 showed sudden improvement in his game. Kevon Looney became the primary center of the Warriors playing a major role in their recent title run. Fast forward to two years, and as the Warriors plan to introduce someone like Paul George, Looney’s future with the team hangs in the balance.

With the Klay Thompson situation not showing any progression, the Warriors are looking to add another All-Star. Guys like Jimmy Butler and Paul George have been prominent early into the offseason market. The Dubs can afford a trade involving some of their assets. Looney is in the last year of his contract as he’s set to earn $8 million this year. However, he might be used in a trade if the Warriors wish to make a move this summer.

Bringing in someone like George, the Dubs will have the forward spot filled with elite defenders. While Wiggins was their primary small forward in 2022, George might become the lead in the same. On the other hand, it compensates for Klay’s absence, considering PG’s deep shooting.

Not only that, but the Dubs have another elite scorer alongside their two-time MVP. PG’s last year will make him $48 million, and the Warriors can balance the salary difference using some of the assets. However, they’ll need to consider giving away a few draft picks in the process. But how valuable will PG be in Golden State?

Paul George and Steph can be an unstoppable duo

We know how Curry and KD became one of the most lethal duos in league history. While both PG and Steph are nearing their mid-30s, they’ll have enough time to build chemistry, becoming a threat in the already crowded West. The Warriors have struggled the past two years, and this might just be their next super team formation.

Other than that, the Warriors can also include guys like Moody or Podziemski in the trade. This move would be for the short term as Steph is nearing his veteran stage. Keeping Kuminga out of the trade would be the best option, knowing how valuable he is for the franchise. It will be interesting to see whether the Dubs initialize a trade for PG or Butler this summer.

Who out of the two do you want to see in the Bay? Let us know in the comments.

For more interesting NBA content, make sure to watch our conversation with Leonard Armato, who speaks about the Lakers, Shaq, and more in the video below.