8 points, 9 seconds
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5 players the Indiana Pacers can look for in trades this summer

By Jonathan Matthes

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Kyle Kuzma #0 and Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the court during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 06: Kyle Kuzma #0 and Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the court during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 10: Klay Thompson
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 10: Klay Thompson /

Enter Taxman, enter Kevin Pritchard

Klay Thompson, SG

I think Klay Thompson could be available this offseason. And here’s why: A day of reckoning is coming for this iteration of the Warriors.

Both Kevin Durant and Thompson’s contracts will be coming up (Durant could opt out this summer) and both would be owed extensions. Durant’s in the super-max range, Thompson just under it.

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Excluding Thompson for the moment: when Durant resigns damn-near the entirety of Golden State’s salary cap will be dedicated to three players (Durant, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green). If they then sign Thompson they will be pushing the tax with four players. And the tax is something Warrior-ownership cares about.

Moving Thompson at this offseason for a blue star package would not only save them money but also begin an inevitable restructuring in Golden State. If the Pacers made the trade, the cost would be high: start with either Turner or Sabonis, include an expiring deal, add in at least one youngster, plus a future first, then maybe another future first or young player.

And that might not be enough. Golden State doesn’t need to trade him, they could just play out his contract, be the favorite for another title and take their chances in the 2019 offseason.

Next: Victor Oladipo is playing better than Kyrie Irving

Thompson’s fit, while extremely unlikely, would be near-perfect alongside Oladipo. And while a  Thompson-trade probably won’t happen the ambition to acquire a player like him or anyone in this article shouldn’t be dismissed.

The leverage to make deals, that Indiana will have in 2018, will be gone in 2019. Indy should consider using that flexibility to find the extra impact players to help them surge to the top of the East.

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