The Golden State Warriors are performing very well at the start of the 2016-2017 NBA season. Their chemistry, which was predicted to be Warriors problem, is actually one of their strength as they lead the league in assists per game at 30.9.
At 12-2 win-loss record, they are second in the West and just 0.5 games behind Los Angeles Clippers. They are on a roll right now as they were on an eight game winning streak.
It looks like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are proving that 2 MVPs could co-exist at the basketball floor during their prime. Kevin Durant is averaging 26.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 blocks. Stephen Curry, on the other hand, is averaging 26.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists.
However, what the Warriors still lack is a big man who could be a threat down low. They need someone who could rebound and block shots so well. Losing Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli hurt the Warriors as they now lack a rim protector who could challenge shots in the paint.
They have Zaza Pachulia as the starting center. But he is not a rim protector who could scare opponents in the paint. To solve this problem, they could acquire Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers. And in exchange, they could give away Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston to the Cavs.
According to HNGN, Iguodala ang Livingston will be free agents after this season. Thus, trading them to get a starting center capable of getting rebounds and protecting the rim makes sense.
Tristan Thompson is averaging 5.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 12 games that he played with the Cavs this season. With Thompson guarding the paint, the Warriors will be a better team. His exceptional rebounding skills and defense will help the Warriors become a more complete team.
On the other hand, the Cavs could benefit by getting Iguodala and Livingston. Both players are reliable bench players. Livingston could also be the back-up point guard for Kyrie Irving. And the Cavs exactly knows that Iguodala is a dangerous foe come playoff time.
Iguodala is the NBA Finals in 2015 when the Warriors and Cavs battle it out for the Larry O-Brien Championship trophy. Getting Iguodala will help them a lot once playoff begins.
From a financial standpoint, this deal is also feasible. Iguodala and Livingston have a salary of $11.1 million and $5.7 million respectively. Thompson on the other hand, has a salary of $15.3 million, as per Spotrac.
Will this deal push through? Stay tuned for more NBA trade rumors and updates.
