Warriors Eye Paul George Post Klay Thompson Injury

Golden State Warriors reportedly considering trading for or re-signing Paul George in the wake of Klay Thompson’s ACL injury

The Golden State Warriors have been dealt a significant blow with the news that star shooting guard Klay Thompson has suffered a torn ACL and will miss the entire 2019-20 season. This unfortunate injury has cast a shadow over the Warriors’ title hopes and has forced the team to re-evaluate their roster options.

According to multiple reports, the Warriors are now open to exploring the possibility of trading for or re-signing Paul George, who has become available after requesting a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Paul George’s Fit with the Warriors

Paul George is a versatile two-way star who would fill a significant void in the Warriors’ lineup. He is a dynamic scorer, a capable defender, and an experienced playoff performer. George’s ability to create his own shot and make plays for others would complement the Warriors’ high-octane offense, while his defensive prowess would bolster a unit that was already among the league’s best.

Golden State’s Trade Assets

The Warriors have a number of valuable assets that they could use in a potential trade for George. These include:

• Andrew Wiggins: The former No. 1 overall pick has not yet lived up to expectations in Golden State, but he remains a talented scorer and defender with significant upside.
• D’Angelo Russell: The All-Star point guard is entering the final year of his contract and has expressed a desire to test free agency. However, he is a skilled scorer and playmaker who could be a valuable asset to the Warriors.
• James Wiseman: The Warriors selected the highly touted center with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Wiseman has the potential to be a franchise-changing player, but he is still raw and would need to develop before becoming a major contributor.
• Future draft picks: The Warriors have a number of future draft picks that they could include in a trade package. These picks could be valuable for a team like the Thunder, who are in rebuilding mode.

Re-signing Paul George

The Warriors could also opt to re-sign George if he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2021. George has reportedly expressed a desire to play for a contender, and the Warriors would offer him a chance to compete for another championship.

However, re-signing George would come at a significant cost. He is expected to command a max contract, which would eat into the Warriors’ salary cap space. Additionally, the Warriors would need to clear roster space to accommodate George, which could mean trading or waiving one or more of their current players.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Trading for or re-signing Paul George would come with both pros and cons for the Golden State Warriors.

Pros:

• George is a superstar talent who would fill a major need for the Warriors.
• He would complement Stephen Curry and Draymond Green perfectly and form a formidable trio.
• He is a proven playoff performer with a championship pedigree.

Cons:

• Acquiring George would require the Warriors to give up significant assets in a trade.
• Re-signing George would be costly and would eat into the Warriors’ salary cap space.
• It is unclear how well George would fit into the Warriors’ system and how he would mesh with the team’s chemistry.

Conclusion

The Golden State Warriors are facing a difficult decision in the wake of Klay Thompson’s injury. Trading for or re-signing Paul George would be a bold move, but it could also be the key to keeping the Warriors competitive.

The Warriors will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. If they believe that George is the missing piece to their championship puzzle, they will likely pursue a deal. However, if they are concerned about the cost or the potential fit, they may opt to explore other options.