Klay Thompson is struggling a little bit this season. In the 2015-2016 NBA season, Thompson average a career-high in points at 22.1. But this season, he only average 18.8 points per game. Is Thompson really just struggling or he can't co-exist with two MVPs in Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant?
Despite Thompson's early struggles, the so-called NBA superteam Golden State Warriors is living up with the expectations and playing great as usual. After a blowout home loss in the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, the Warriors were on a roll as they won 8 of their last 9 games. With a record of 8-2, the Warriors are in second place in the competitive Western Conference behind the Los Angeles Clippers.
But Thompson's early struggle offensively ignited speculations that he might be traded to other teams. And according to CBS Sports, trading Klay Thompson to the Boston Celtics might happen. But could a trade for James Harden of the Houston Rockets be possible?
Klay Thompson is a very talented shooter. But playing in the shadows of 2-time MVP Stephen Curry has prevented him from becoming the main man in Warriors. If he will be playing for the Houston Rockets, he will be the star player there. With Thompson's gift, he could average 30+ points per game if he plays with the Rockets.
Now that he already experience winning an NBA title with the Warriors in 2015, is it time for Thompson to have a star player role in an average team like the Houston Rockets?
On the other hand, James Harden could fit well in the Golden State Warriors.
Last season, Harden averages 29.0 points 6.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists which are all career-highs. Harden looked more scary this season as he averages 30.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 12.6 assists per game. If he can keep up with this pace, he will have new career highs in points, rebounds and assists.
Harden's position is point guard. But if he will be traded to the Warriors, he can go back to a shooting guard position. When Durant came to the Warriors, he played the role of Barnes. If Harden will play in Thompson's place, Warriors offense could be unstoppable as Harden is much better than Thompson offensively.
The Warriors averages a whooping 116.4 points per game this season, which is the best in the league. If Harden plays alongside with Curry and Durant, could the Warriors average 120 or 125 points per game?
But according to HNGN, Harden is illegible for a trade until January 8, 2017. The reason for this is that Harden signed a four-year $118 million contract in the offseason. On the other hand, Klay Thompson is on the first year of his four-year $70 million deal with the Warriors. And trading him would be impossible at the moment, per iTech Post.
So as of now, we can all safe to say that Klay Thompson and James Harden will play for their respective teams as of now. But who knows what might happen in the next season? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
