Jerry West again changed the complexion of the NBA, and Klay Thompson is a happier man because of it.
CBSSports.com is reporting that West, an adviser with the Golden State Warriors, and new coach Steve Kerr combined to convince owner Joe Lacob to nix the trade that would've sent Thompson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for power forward Kevin Love.
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According to CBSSports.com, Thompson's father said that West and Kerr "took (Thompson) off the table" during a radio interview.
It was West who Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1997. West also is known as being "the Logo" for the NBA.
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Thompson averaged 18.4 points per game for the Warriors last season, while Love averaged 26.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. There were other factors in the trade, such as David Lee joining Thompson in Minnesota.
The trade appeared to be a done deal at one point, but the T-Wolves then rescinded Thompson's availability and the deal fell apart.
The breakdown allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers time to put together a trade that ended up giving the Timberwolves two No. 1 NBA draft picks in Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett.
Now, Thompson has another year to mesh with backcourt mate Steph Curry, and the Cavaliers suddenly appear to be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference with Love pairing up with LeBron James.
Thompson has one year left on his rookie contract and could command a hefty salary next season as he enters restricted free agency.
He seems destined for a big contract extension with the Warriors, who ended up unwilling to part with him for an NBA All-Star in Love.
Thompson's statistics have improved every year since he entered the NBA during the 2011-12 season. He averaged 12.5 points per game as a rookie, 16.6 points per game in 2012-13 and then 18.4 last season.
Do you think the Golden State Warriors made the right decision by keeping Klay Thompson rather than trading for Kevin Love? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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