Klay Thompson was almost traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason, but the sharp-shooting guard insisted that he has no hard feelings for the Golden State Warriors.
In an interview with the USA Today, Thompson admitted that he was worried about being traded earlier in the offseason, saying that he wants to stay in Golden State because he is very comfortable with the team.
"I wasn't really pissed," Thompson said of being mentioned in trade rumors. "I was more just worried about being traded, just because I'm so comfortable in the Bay. I think that's natural for anybody (to not want to) just get up and move. I mean it wouldn't have been the end of the world, but it's a business, and I'm still playing ball for a living."
Thompson, who averaged 18.4 points to go along with 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season, was mentioned in trade talks centered on Kevin Love earlier in the summer.
The Warriors expressed strong interest in trading for Love, but Minnesota wants Thompson to be included in the trade package. However, Golden State did not budge and opted to keep Thompson, which eventually led to a trade that sent Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"I was happier when they showed faith in me that they didn't want to budge and trade me for a guy (in Love) who's a multiple all-NBA guy and a proven All-Star. I thought that was really cool that the Warriors believed in my potential," Thompson said.
Thompson will become a restricted free agent next summer, but his agent, Bill Duffy, expects the 24-year-old guard to stay in Golden State for at least 10 more years, which is highly likely with Warriors owner Joe Lacob saying that they Love Thompson and it is the reason why they let go off Monta Ellis before.
"We traded an excellent guard freeing up a starting spot for him and, as is known, despite many requests from other teams over the last few years, we have continued to bet on his continued development," Lacob said. "We are very proud that he is a Warrior and also of his major contribution on this year's USA Basketball team. We are looking forward to a great year for Klay, the Splash Brothers and the Warriors."
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