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The Golden State Warriors could budge in on a league-altering deal sending Anthony Davis to the Hawks to get Klay Thompson amid trade rumors.

The Golden State Warriors may view Klay Thompson as one of their realistic targets in the offseason to improve the roster. A terrible season full of injuries and disappointment ended with the Warriors looking forward to the summer. Thompson is currently on the Dallas Mavericks, but they are no longer to contend after trading Anthony Davis this season.

NBA writer Peter O’Keefe revealed the following, via Fansided:

“Beyond the sentimental reason which one or both parties may not see as significant, there’s also a clear on-court reason why Thompson may be very valuable to the Warriors again after Moses Moody’s devastating torn patellar injury late in the season.

With Moody likely to miss the majority of next season, how do Golden State replace a 6’6″ wing who can shoot 40% from three on high volume? That sounds exactly like Thompson, making a potential reunion all the more legitimate from a purely basketball standpoint.”

Moses Moody suffering an injury this season was listed as the biggest reason for the Warriors needing a shooting guard like Thompson. Golden State is not expected to get back on the court Moody until deep into next season. Thompson could provide the outside shooting and make up the loss of a shooting guard.

Golden State Must Trade Talent For Klay Thompson

Thompson’s $16 million contract is not that bad and a generally easier contract to trade for in the NBA. Unfortunately, Golden State will mostly have young names of the realistic options who can be moved in a deal for Thompson.

The most likely scenario is trading both Moody and Al Horford for Thompson to make the salaries match. Moody is younger than Thompson with a higher upside, but the Warriors could trade him since he’s not going to help them next season. Horford’s contract would add enough money to match Thompson and force Golden State to lose another name.

However, the Warriors currently plan to make other moves in the offseason to have these trade options become more expendable. Thompson coming back to the Warriors also gives him a chance to end his career with his longtime franchise. Some rumors have claimed that Thompson would be willing to sign a cheaper deal there as a free agent next summer.

Klay Thompson Can’t Be Only Move

Golden State must follow through on their plans to add bigger stars this summer, if they do also trade for Thompson. Stephen Curry still playing at a high level warrants more talent around him, especially with Jimmy Butler expected to miss half of next season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, and LeBron James are three bigger names rumored to be on the Warriors’ wish list. If Golden State can get one of those stars to team with Curry, then Thompson becomes a more realistic target.

The Warriors could go all in on veterans banding together for one more chase at an NBA Championship run. Thompson is a name worth paying attention to since logic dictates he could help Golden State and appease the fan base who badly want him to retire there.