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PHILADELPHIA — The NBA trade deadline hits Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET. The Warriors’ front office is back in San Francisco contemplating a variety of possible deals. That timing adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Warriors’ complete performance in beating the Philadelphia 76ers, given who played so well.
Andrew Wiggins returned after a recent foot injury to score 21 points in 23 minutes. He made nine of his 14 shots and had 10 rebounds, a steal and a block. He looked bouncy and confident and continued to work well as a wing pairing next to Jonathan Kuminga, a recent development that has made Wiggins more palatable for the front office to keep.
While he is the highest profile name the Warriors appear to be actively discussing, Wiggins’ preference is to remain with Golden State.
“I love it here,” Wiggins said. “Love the fans, coaches, organization, teammates.”
Klay Thompson delivered a response to recent rough performances on Wednesday night, hitting four of his five 3s en route to 18 efficient points in 28 minutes. His final make was a transition push, pump fake, pull-up wing 3 — vintage Thompson. Steve Kerr said he looked “relaxed” and Thompson credited his patience after the game before reiterating his lack of concern about his name popping up in trade rumors.
“I don’t partake in NBA discourse on the internet,” Thompson said. “I think that’s such a waste of energy. At the end of the day, whether I’m wearing a Dubs uniform or another uniform, I’m gonna be myself. I’m gonna be KT.”
There’s no sense that the Warriors intend to trade Thompson before the deadline. He expressed a desire to remain with them past Thursday and into the future.
“That is correct,” Thompson said. “Good assessment.”
Kevon Looney is the third veteran member of the now-defunct starting lineup who has struggled for a portion of this season, leading to the Warriors’ current position out of the playoff picture.
“We know there is a lot of trade noise, but I haven’t heard a lot of chatter about it in the locker room,” Looney said. “I don’t think we’re nervous. I don’t think it’s bothering us. I actually think we’re starting to play better.”
Looney is making $7.5 million this season and only has $3 million of his $8 million guaranteed next season, a deal that can be useful as a vehicle in a midsized trade, which is mostly what’s available on the market.
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