Klay flattered by Cavaliers' interest, Warriors believing in him

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly asked the Golden State Warriors about swapping Kyrie Irving for Klay Thompson, and were rebuffed.

Thompson finds such inquiries flattering, and the Warriors turning them down even more so.

"Yeah, it's really cool," the All-Star shooting guard replied to reporters Wednesday.

"It shows the Warriors believe in me and it shows these teams want me to be a part of their success so I appreciate it. I've been in trade rumors forever. Everybody has. Except for maybe LeBron James, and Steph (Curry). Even Steph, early in his career. It's all just part of the biz and it is flattering, and I do appreciate it."

Thompson, 27, is thankful those rumors never materialized, noting his current team has "such a good thing going" and he doesn't want to leave yet.

Who can blame him? The Warriors are a historically great team. They finished with the best record in the NBA for three consecutive years, meeting the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals on each of those occasions. Thompson and Co. emerged from two of those runs as champions.

Thompson averaged 22.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the Warriors in 2016-17. He has two years remaining on his contract, and is owed about $37 million over that span.

Irving requested a trade shortly after the latest Finals defeat, and was dealt to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night in exchange for All-Star Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Brooklyn Nets' unprotected first-round pick next year.