The Golden State Warriors sent NBA veteran Gerald Wallace to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Jason Thompson recently, a move that aims to hone up their frontline with the departure of David Lee.
Wallace was recently acquired in a trade involving Lee; although at first, it was pretty much questionable on whether the Warriors would cling on to the NBA veteran considering that they have a handful of guards and forwards in the lineup.
The deal, which included cash considerations, makes more sense now for the Warriors who will be able to cover the frontline vacancy created when they shipped Lee.
Lee was traded to help rid the team of his huge contract, in which the veteran forward is suppose to earn $15.5 million this coming season.
Thompson, on the other hand, is entering the final year of his guaranteed contract and is set to earn $6.9 million. For the 2016–17 season, Thompson is actually arranged to earn $7 million, although only $2.65 million is guaranteed.
Thompson can play both forward and center for the Warriors, taking some load off Draymond Green who played some time at center during the recently concluded NBA Finals. With Andrew Bogut still around, Thompson could likely spell or play power forward if he plays alongside the Australian seven-footer.
For Wallace, chances are the 14-year NBA veteran will be waived by the 76ers. Wallace is set to earn $10 million dollars this coming season but based on his previous playing years, the price tag he carries may be something that would not sit well with Philly.
The Warriors find themselves saving $8.6 million with the trade of Wallace, something that should also provide them some relief as far as their luxury tax bill is concerned.
"We're very happy to add Jason to our roster," said Warriors General Manager Bob Myers via CSN. "He has a proven track record in this league and adds considerably to our team's depth, which was a big key to our success last season and will be moving forward."
