Don’t get too used to calling that swing line-up of the Golden State Warriors the “Hamptons 5” because the Warriors could be in the market for a blockbuster move here pretty soon.
One player that the Warriors have their unibrows on, in particular, is Pelicans C Anthony Davis.
Davis is only 25, and the NOLA is on the hook for $81.3 million for the next three seasons with AD.
However, Davis can opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent in 2020.
That is pretty intriguing to Golden State because the only player on their books, right now, for 2020 is Steph Curry.
Still, the Warriors are already getting a ton of help from simply drafting well as Draymond Green and Klay Thompson aren’t even extension eligible just yet (but will be soon); and KD already took a pay cut this year to sign for only $25 million, when he was eligible for nearly $35.4 million.
Plus, Anthony Davis isn’t getting any cheaper as he retains his Bird Rights for his max and he keeps getting named to NBA first-teams over, and over, and over again.
Essentially, the Warriors are going to need some help by voluntary pay cuts from their Hampton’s 5, or they’re going to have to let Draymond walk, or Klay walk, or both walk if the Warriors would actually like to get this Anthony Davis deal done.
All reports suggest that the current Warrior’s squad would like to stay together forever; but if history has shown us anything, behind closed doors, everybody is really just looking out for their own check.
Andre Iguodala wouldn’t even budge on a home-town discount for Golden State, this year.
So, in that same vein, it’s hard to see guys like Draymond, or Klay, or KD to continue leaving cash on the table.
Steph is leaving no money behind at all, and who knows what Anthony Davis will be willing to do when or if he arrives at GSW.
The cost of living in San Francisco is just expensive.
So what does that mean for Draymond and Klay?
Well, if the Warriors don’t want to play the waiting game to sign AD in 2020 the old fashion way, they could seek some sign-and-trade options with the Pelicans, assuming New Orleans is open to dealing.
When that is all said and done, it probably means that either Draymond or Klay Thompson will get paid quite handsomely.
Quite handsomely, on the one condition that either Draymond or Klay will also become the NBA’s next Harrison Barnes of the NOLA…