The Golden State Warriors will lose Klay Thompson to an Achilles tear for the 2020-21 season, absolutely the worst news for the star guard and the franchise after he missed all of last year with a torn ACL.
But they have a Plan B as the Dubs try to contend again with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and No. 2 overall pick in the draft James Wiseman: per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Warriors are close to dealing for talented wing Kelly Oubre Jr. in a trade with Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for — what else? — a first-rounder in 2021.
How can a team with so many huge salaries deal for Oubre? They have a trade exception from their trade of Andre Iguodala that was reportedly set to expire on Nov. 23.
Golden State's Andre Iguodala TPE will expire on *Nov. 23*
Carry on.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) November 15, 2020
But that means they’re going to pay more in luxury tax. And when I say more, I mean A LOT MORE:
Golden State tax bill is currently $66M
The addition of Kelly Oubre would see it increase to $134M
$14.4M of Oubre + $68M in taxes= $82.4M
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 19, 2020
That is one expensive transaction.
Golden State's tax bill would actually zoom past $130 million …
With Kelly Oubre accounting for $68+ million in luxury tax …
Making Oubre an $80+ million player next season
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 19, 2020
Oubre is a terrific two-way wing who can defend and score, so it’s a great get for a team that needs both those things without Thompson. Is it worth THAT much money? I guess if ownership feels like it can afford it, then … sure?
