Warriors Eye Blockbuster Trade for $176 Million Star as Klay Thompson’s Replacement

Whispers are growing louder that the Golden State Warriors may be entering the race to acquire Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George. With no cap space available, George is seen as a potential trade candidate if he opts into the final season of his four-year, $176 million contract.

CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn recently posted his predictions for the upcoming NBA free agency period, suggesting that the Warriors could acquire George via a blockbuster trade with the Clippers. Quinn envisions the Clippers receiving Jonathan Kuminga, Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, and future draft picks in exchange for George, who would join forces with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State.

Logistics of the Proposed Trade

"[The Clippers] are not acting like they're desperate to keep [Paul George]… They are not offering him the max contract… Why are they not worried about [him] pulling all the stops to try and force his way to [the Warriors]?"

— Brian Windhorst 👀pic.twitter.com/HbHm1iI7WL

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 28, 2024

There are two critical logistical points to consider in this potential deal. The Warriors have pushed back the deadline for Paul’s salary to be fully guaranteed from June 28 to June 30, giving them more flexibility. Additionally, for this trade to happen, George would need to opt into his current contract rather than test free agency.

If George opts out, he could broaden his options beyond teams with cap space by pushing for a sign-and-trade. However, the Warriors would have a more straightforward path to acquiring George if he remains under contract, given their current cap constraints.

Impact on Klay Thompson

Golden State’s interest in George has reportedly strained the relationship between Klay Thompson and the team. NBA insider Marc Stein noted that the Warriors’ pursuit of George has complicated their dealings with Thompson, who becomes a free agent on June 30.

“As The Stein Line has been reporting since Monday, Golden State has this week prioritized the trade pursuit of the LA Clippers’ Paul George above all other business,” Stein wrote in a June 28 story. “Yet that has only increased the chill between Thompson and the club after months of spotty and now scant contact between the sides.”

The Warriors have always intended to revisit negotiations with Thompson after exploring trade options involving Chris Paul’s $30 million expiring contract. However, it remains uncertain whether Thompson will be receptive to such overtures.

Potential Replacement for Klay Thompson

The Warriors and Chris Paul mutually agreed to push back his guarantee date on $30 million, per @wojespn.

With this happening, it likely indicates Golden State is indeed preparing to pursue Paul George and other star-level players. pic.twitter.com/Yj1UDFqsFl

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 28, 2024

There are growing indications that Golden State may be preparing to replace Thompson with George. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Warriors and Chris Paul mutually agreed to push back his contract guarantee date, suggesting that the team is preparing to pursue George and other star-level players.

George has faced injuries in recent years but managed to start 74 games for the Clippers last season. Despite significant missed time in the previous four seasons, his performance remains highly regarded.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Anthony Slater also confirmed Golden State’s interest in George, noting that the Warriors have “legitimate interest in making George part of their new core alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green.” This potential move mirrors previous bold efforts by Warriors owner Joe Lacob, who led an unsuccessful bid to land LeBron James at last season’s trade deadline.

Conclusion

As the NBA free agency period approaches, the Warriors’ pursuit of Paul George could reshape their roster and redefine their future. While the potential trade offers exciting possibilities, it also raises questions about the team’s dynamics and relationships, particularly with Klay Thompson. The coming weeks will be crucial as the Warriors navigate these complex negotiations and make pivotal decisions about their roster.