Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins Top FA, Trade Landing Spots After NBA Deadline Ends
Neither Klay Thompson nor Andrew Wiggins were dealt by the Golden State Warriors prior to Thursday's NBA trade deadline, calling their future into question.
Thompson is in the final year of his contract, meaning he can potentially sign elsewhere in free agency during the offseason, whereas the Warriors would have to trade Wiggins in order to move on from him since he is signed through 2025-26 with a player option for 2026-27.
Both Thompson and Wiggins have been key players with championship experience for the Warriors, as Thompson won four titles, while Wiggins won one.
That could make both of them attractive to a contending team looking to win a championship of their own, so here is a look at the best potential offseason landing spots via free agency or trade for Thompson and Wiggins.
Klay Thompson
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The 34-year-old Thompson has spent his entire 11-year NBA career in Golden State, and while he has established himself as a potential Hall of Famer during that time, he has struggled thus far in 2023-24.
In 46 games, Thompson is averaging 17.1 points per game, which is his fewest since 2012-13. He is also shooting a career-worst 41.7 percent from the floor and 37.7 percent from beyond the arc.
With Thompson struggling and Stephen Curry getting little in the way of consistent offensive support from his teammates, the Warriors are 11th in the Western Conference at 23-25, and they are in danger of missing the playoffs.
As much as Thompson has struggled this season, it is important to consider the totality of his career. In 762 regular-season games, Thompson boasts averages of 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 three-pointers made and 2.3 assists, while shooting 45.3 percent from the floor and 41.3 percent from long range.
He also has 158 games of playoff experience, and his postseason numbers are right in line with what he has done in the regular season.
Because of that, and his status as one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, he would make the most sense as an option for a team that is playoff-bound.
Perhaps the best fit would be the Philadelphia 76ers, who are projected to have $76.8 million in practical cap space for next season, per Spotrac.
Philly's core of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey is as good as any in the league when healthy, but the Sixers could use more consistent shooting, and Thompson can provide that when he is on his game.
With the Thompson of past years added alongside Embiid and Maxey, the 76ers would be true championship contenders.
Other teams in the playoff mix projected to have significant practical cap space next season include the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thompson could bring winning experience to any of them, but he arguably makes the most sense for Indiana since the Pacers just traded away a three-point specialist in Buddy Hield to the 76ers on Thursday.
Perhaps the most likely result is Thompson returning to the place where he is most comfortable in the form of Golden State.
Although the Warriors appear to be on a downturn and would probably benefit from getting younger, it is difficult to envision a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champ like Thompson playing elsewhere.
In the event that the Warriors want to ensure that the core of Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green remain part of the organization for life, there's a solid chance they will make the best offer.
Andrew Wiggins
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Thompson figures to have a fairly robust market in free agency despite his struggles this season, but Wiggins' situation is far more complicated.
The 2014 No. 1 overall draft pick has spent parts of the past five seasons with the Warriors after playing six seasons for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he has had some great moments in Golden State.
In 2021-22, Wiggins was named an All-Star for the first and only time in his career, and later that season he played a pivotal role in the Dubs winning their fourth championship in eight seasons.
His first four seasons saw him serve as a solid complementary scorer alongside Curry and Thompson, but his production has taken a nosedive this season.
In 43 games, including 32 starts, Wiggins is averaging a career-low 12.4 points to go along with 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 three-pointers made per contest. He is also shooting just 44.3 percent from the field and 31.9 percent from deep, which is his worst efficiency in years.
It is possible a team could look at Wiggins' championship pedigree and his career scoring average of 18.7 points per game and have interest in bringing him in, but the likeliest scenario is Wiggins staying in Golden State.
Per Spotrac, Wiggins is set to earn $26.2 million next season and $28.2 million the year after. He also has a player option for $30.1 million in 2026-27, which he will most likely accept since he won't command anything close to that in free agency.
Golden State almost certainly wouldn't get much in terms of usable assets in a trade involving Wiggins, and it would potentially have to take back multiple bad contracts as well.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks are two teams that were believed to have interest in Wiggins leading up to the trade deadline.
If they can make the money work, both would be fine landing spots for Wiggins during the offseason, as he would be joining ready-made situations for title contention.
The Bucks have the superstar duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard under contract for next season, while the Mavs are led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Wiggins wouldn't have to be a superstar for either team, but he has experience as a strong supporting cast member on a championship team, so it won't be surprising if both Milwaukee and Dallas revisit him at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
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