A Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers swap for Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson works for both teams
If Kyrie Irving really wants to stick it to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, why not request a trade to the Golden State Warriors? There’s no way the Warriors are moving Stephen Curry but moving Klay Thompson is an option. While it may seem strange for these two teams to make a trade after their classic battles in the NBA Finals over the past three seasons, a move of this magnitude may actually work out for both teams.
The Warriors are loaded with Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Thompson. The Cavs have their usual suspects in LeBron James, Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and now Derrick Rose. But both teams could make a change that could actually make both teams better.
If the Warriors were to make the deal for Irving, that would push Curry over to the two-guard and give Irving free reign at point guard. Now, before Warriors fans close this article out– hear me out, please. As good as Steph is with the ball in his hands, think how dangerous he could be without it. Now ask yourself– who’s the better shooter of the Splash Brothers–Curry or Thompson? Both players are shooting over 41 percent from beyond the arc but Klay has better open shots thanks to Curry’s passes.
In Cleveland, the Cavs have been short of a good SG for some time now. By adding Thompson it will ease some of the burden off LeBron’s and Love’s shoulders plus give Rose the best backcourt partner he’s had in his career. With LeBron, Rose, Love and Thompson, it’s a sure bet to say that no team in the East will challenge them. The Boston Celtics have improved but with that veteran leadership, coupled with the outside shooting of Thompson and Love, the Cavs will be unbeatable until they face the Warriors.
Irving is not known as the best facilitator but how can he not average 8-9 assists while playing with shooters like Curry and Durant? LeBron is a great athlete but having those perimeter threats on the wings could do wonders for Irving’s game. The one issue the Warriors will face is on the defensive end. While many know Thompson for his shooting, the deciding factor in the Finals victory over the Cavs this past season was his defense. With Irving, the Warriors will have the same problem that the Portland Trail Blazers are having with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Two small guards trying to guard players 4-inches taller.
Yes, this may be one of those rare occurrences where a trade this huge will not be lopsided. Both teams will get what they need. The Cavs will get their shooter and the Warriors will finally be able to let Curry free with the best backcourt in the NBA. Klay is good, he’s streaky but still worth the price of admission while Irving may be the best penetrator in the game today. This trade is not a knock on Thompson but more of an improvement for both teams. While many will say the Warriors need no improvements, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. They are a dynamic bunch but an Irving, Curry backcourt would be a site to behold.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
