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Klay Thompson Trade Destinations: LeBron James or Joel Embiid Only Real Options for Warriors’ 5x All Star

Published 01/04/2024, 12:01 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors are both in similar situations. Standing in #10 and #11 spots in the ever-so-tight Western Conference, both teams’ front office has a lot to tinker with before the trade deadline. While the Lakers aren’t troubled by any particular individual, rumors are the Warriors are looking to let go of Andrew Wiggins or Draymond Green, maybe both. Even Klay Thompson is not off the hook.

Nobody who wears Purple and Gold, other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis, should be surprised if their names come up in any trade. So, there is a chance for these rivals to sort each other’s difficulties out. The Lakers need shooting, and the Warriors can move on from Klay if they see the potential in Bradin Podziemski to become Stephen Curry’s new partner in crime. Even Stephen A. Smith thinks it’d be the perfect destination for the lethal shooter.

Ideal trade destination Klay Thompson? Stephen A. Smith has two

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On the latest drop of The Stephen A. Smith Show, the ESPN analyst went into length talking about the Warriors and Lakers’ ongoing misery. Sparing only LeBron and AD from his ire, the veteran journalist went as far as to call Lakers shooters “bandits” for stealing Jeanie Buss’ money.

And while addressing Thompson’s trouble with the form, he said, “Klay Thompson in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform is special.”

“You gotta deal with LeBron and AD? Klay Thompson gonna get some open shots,” Smith added. “There’s only one other place that would be arguably as efficient for Klay Thompson, and that would be the Philadelphia 76ers.”

Which team suits Thompson the best?

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Personnel-wise, both the 76ers and the Lakers need a shooter of Klay’s caliber. Considering Thompson grew up in LA with his father Mychal Thompson, being an NBA champ and one of the franchise cult heroes for the Lakers, it would only make sense for him to come back home.

USA Today via Reuters

If he were to leave his Splash Brother, who else would be the best option than the man he had faced in the 4/6 NBA Finals of his NBA career? Playing alongside James and Davis would be his best option in the West, considering the current market situation. The Lakers have plenty of players that can help Steve Kerr’s side now as well as in the long term.

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However, with the 76ers looking to get more perimeter help for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and the Warriors’ needs for a two-way wing, a Tobias Harris and Thompson swap looks the best deal for both teams. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section.

Watch this story – Stephen Curry Was the Reason Behind Jordan Poole’s Washington Trade, as Per Ex-Warriors Star

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Written by:

Akash Murty

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Akash Murty is an NBA Content Manager at EssentiallySports. He has a writer's portfolio of over 2100 articles in his 21 months as a writer/editor. Basketball has been his go-to sport to follow for more than a decade.
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Edited by:

Vishav