The Warriors are in need of a significant shake-up before the upcoming NBA trade deadline on Feb. 8, but it seems that a couple of key players are not available for trade.
Despite being the subject of various trade rumors, the Golden State team has expressed “no interest” in parting ways with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, according to a report by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Wednesday.
Windhorst suggested that the Warriors might explore the possibility of trading Chris Paul, their newly acquired point guard with an expiring contract, or Andrew Wiggins, whose struggles have raised concerns throughout this season.
Currently positioned in 12th place in the Western Conference with a 20-24 record past the midway point of the 2023-24 season, the Warriors seem eager to make a change.
Earlier in the week, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Warriors are “very much open” to trade discussions involving Thompson, Wiggins, and Paul, maintaining their stance from a previous report that indicated the team’s willingness to consider trades for everyone except Steph Curry.
However, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported on Tuesday that the likelihood of the Warriors making a move that “meaningfully moves the needle” has steadily decreased in recent weeks, citing team sources.
Amid conflicting reports causing confusion among fans, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy provided some clarity on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Warriors Pregame Live” ahead of last week’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Dunleavy stated, “The assessment of the team and the roster has been challenging,” explaining the team’s depth and how injuries and suspensions have impacted their performance. He emphasized that, two weeks before the trade deadline, the team is still actively evaluating its options.
Klay Thompson, a five-time NBA All-Star, has rebounded from early-season struggles and is displaying his former self, averaging 17.6 points on 42.1-percent shooting from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range, along with 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists this season.
Draymond Green, who faced an indefinite suspension resulting in a 16-game absence earlier in the season, is now focused on contributing to the team’s success. His significance to the Warriors has become increasingly apparent since his return.
Both Thompson and Green, who have spent their entire NBA careers with the Warriors and contributed to the organization’s four championships over the last decade, appear unlikely to be traded—at least for the time being.
