OAKLAND, Calif. _ One of the Warriors' pending free agents has been noticeably silent. Ever since the Knicks traded Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas presumably to clear cap space for Kevin Durant, he has not spoken to local reporters during practice and postgame availability.
One of the other Warriors' pending free agents has been remarkably candid. For the past week, Klay Thompson has shown the same measured outook toward Durant's uncertain future as he has with any shooting slump.
"We're handling it great," Thompson said following morning shootaround on Wednesday. "You can only control what you can control. You can't listen to media coverage or speculation. There always will be speculation with anything you do. It's what we signed up for."
The Warriors (37-15) enter Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs (32-23) at Oracle Arena with winning 12 of their last 13 games. Yet more of the attention has centered on Durant, his mood on the team, what the Knicks' move might mean for his pending free agency and if his silence means anything.
Granted, Durant has conducted one-on-one interviews in the past week with NBA TV's Rosalyn Gold-Onwude, CCTV and "60 Minutes." With Durant not speaking in normally designated practice and postgame times, however, that has only increased suspicion about his possible Warriors departure after possibly adding more to his two NBA championships and Finals MVPs.
Unlike other NBA teams, the Warriors are not directly affected with any trade proposals leading into Thursday's deadline. But moves, such as the Knicks' deal, could affect their long-term future.
"It's part of the business. Thankfully we're well compensated for what we do, but we're able to be traded on a whim," Thompson said. "Especially as the trade deadline nears, it's nerve wracking if you don't know where you're going to be. But it's part of the business. It's not the first time you go through that as a player."
Klay explains why he won't participate in the 3-point contest
Thompson normally loves to shoot 3-pointers. But he declined to participate in the upcoming 3-point contest during NBA All-Star weekend (Feb. 15-17) in Charlotte, N.C. after participating in it for four consecutive years.
"I kind of wanted to be a spectator for once and enjoy the show," Thompson said. "I'll for sure do it again before my career is over. But I just wanted to be a spectator this year and take in the whole event from the sideline. I haven't been able to do that the last few years."
How much does that trace to Thompson not wanting to interfere with Stephen Curry and brother, Seth, possibly having a shootout in the 3-point contest? After all, Thompson beat Stephen Curry in the 2016 3-point contest. "Definitely a part of it," Thompson said. He also wants to enjoy the NBA dunk contest.
"I'm excited to see them compete against each other Saturday night," Thompson said of Stephen and Seth Curry. "That'll be awesome."
Thompson a fan of the other NBA teams resting their players against the Warriors
First, LeBron James missed the Warriors-Lakers game on Saturday because of "load management" in his left groin injury that sidelined him for 17 games. Then, the Spurs plan to sit LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan against the Warriors on Wednesday for the same reason.
This isn't teams disrespecting the Warriors. This might be teams managing long-term injuries, while also throwing up the white flag.
"Do I take it personally? Nah. Just have to take advantage," Thompson said. "They're down their two better players and All-Stars. So you got to establish dominance early. They're a very well-run team and play well together. You have to take advantage of guys resting kind of like we did against the Lakers Saturday."
