NBA Rumors: Klay Thompson is not holding up Kevin Love trade?
By Bryan Rose
For days we’ve heard constant chatter suggesting that the Golden State Warriors refused to trade Klay Thompson in a deal for Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, that may not be the case as according to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, it likely isn’t the inclusion of Thompson in the potential trade that is holding up the deal.
More from Golden State Warriors
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- Steph Curry still defends Kevin Durant: ‘Most misunderstood dude’ in the NBA
- NBA Rumors: Warriors, Lakers among contenders for key free agent
- Warriors projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
- Draymond Green blasts Kevin Garnett after falling for a fake tweet
So if it isn’t Thompson, what might it be? Zgoda seems to believe it’s the additional parts that are causing the issues, suggesting that Harrison Barnes or Draymond Green being included in the deal are preventing it from moving forward.
“Don’t believe chatter that Klay is issue holding up GS trade, or even KMartin. It’s likely Barnes or Green as 3rd piece & how they get there.”
It’s an understandable stance as given the absurd amount of parts rumored to be included in the trade, not only do the additions of salary and contracts become an issue but so does depth. The Warriors understandably want Kevin Love but are likely fearful of clearing out all their depth to do so as it appears they’ll be the team sending more players to make up for Love’s large salary.
It’s always seemed a little perplexing to believe that Klay Thompson alone would be the reason as to why no trade has been completed considering while Thompson is talented, Love is the vastly superior talent between the two.
What comes from this is unknown, though Ric Bucher, formerly of ESPN and currently with Bleacher Report, believes it’s likely Kevin Love will not be traded prior to the draft.