Golden State Warriors: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Andre Iguodala #9, Klay Thompson #11, Stephen Curry #30, Draymond Green #23 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

5 of 6

Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Engage in extension talks with Klay Thompson

One of the most fascinating NBA discussion topics is that of which player is most important to the Warriors’ success. Not which player is the best — that is a two-player conversation between Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. But which is most important? There are reasonable cases to be made for Curry, Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.

Thompson is close to a lockdown defender in the backcourt, with the length to easily guard 1-3 and leaving Curry free to guard a weaker player. His game off-the-dribble has improved significantly, and he can hit shots from anywhere on the court. His shooting form is immaculate, and has led to an incredible level of consistency. Thompson has played seven seasons in the NBA, and hit at least 40 percent of his 3-pointers every single season.

At his current pace, Klay Thompson will rank in the top-10 all-time in 3-pointers made by the end of the 2019-20 season (depending on a few active players) and could push the top-five in another year or two. Thompson’s ability to catch fire is as game-changing as Curry’s, and Thompson always seems to step up and make a few big shots whenever the Warriors are starting to drift too close to disaster.

Thompson has, by all accounts, always been satisfied with his role as the third option, and numerous times has made it clear he wants to re-sign with the Warriors. This summer the Warriors can begin to discuss an extension with the 28-year-old guard, and locking him up at below the max will save the team countless millions in luxury tax payments. It may also ensure this core can stay together for years to come.

Home/Golden State Warriors