3 bold predictions for the Golden State Warriors offseason

3 bold predictions for the Warriors offseason

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to facing the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Warriors bold offseason predictions: 1. Trading Klay Thompson

The second-biggest star for the Warriors during their amazing run has been none other than Klay Thompson. Klay is a six-time All-Star and one of the greatest shooters of all time.

In Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Klay suffered a left ACL tear. This would keep him sidelined for the entire 2020 NBA season. Then as he was recovering and getting ready to start the 2021 NBA season, Klay would tear his right Achilles in a pick-up basketball game. This would keep him sidelined for the entire 2021 NBA season and 50 games for the 2022 season.

Klay would get off to a slow start in the 2022 season, shooting 43 percent from the field, 39 percent from 3, but still averaged 20 points per game. The inefficiencies from Klay were expected coming off of those injuries. This season he did become offensive Klay again averaging 21.9 points, on 44/41/87 splits, but he struggled in the postseason averaging 18.5 points on 39/37/89 splits.

The one area that those injuries really affected Klay the most was his defense. He was an All-NBA defender in 2019 which made him the perfect side piece for Stephen Curry. After suffering those two major leg injuries, he hasn’t been the same defender since.

One thing that was realized this season is that Klay isn’t as consistent as he is anymore on both sides of the ball. There are moments where he gets hotter than Curry and moments where he is chucking brick after brick.

The Warriors trading Klay is highly unlikely as he is a part of their culture but he is going to be paid $43 million next year and is due for a contract extension. The Warriors should be very cautious in extending an aging star like Klay. If it comes down to it, trading Klay for a younger player should be in the back of the Warriors’ minds.

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