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Golden State Warriors: Does Klay Thompson deserve the max?

By Tony Pesta

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 07: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to an officials call during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on December 07, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Warriors defeated the Bucks 105-95. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 07: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to an officials call during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on December 07, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Warriors defeated the Bucks 105-95. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Klay Thompson might want to test the free agency market this summer. Should the Golden State Warriors make the first move by offering the max contract?

The Golden State Warriors will be very busy this summer. With Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant all having the ability to leave in free agency, the Warriors have to set their priorities.

The question that needs to be asked is whether or not Thompson is worthy of the max contract or not. This is important because it has been reported that if the Warriors do not offer Thompson the max he could be interested in joining a different team.

Losing Thompson would be a huge blow for the Warriors. Klay has been a key member of their last three NBA championships and is still young enough to have a significant impact on the team for years to come. Klay is the ideal partner for Stephen Curry and keeping the splash brothers together is vital to the team’s success.

However, the Warriors are in a much different situation than when they first became a championship contending team. Back in the 2014-15 season, Curry and Thompson were the two best players on the team. Now, it can be argued that Thompson is the fourth or fifth most important member.

The Dubs have a tall stack of elite shooters on the team. Curry and Kevin Durant are two of the best in the league while Cousins is an above average shooter for his position. Meanwhile, players like Quinn Cook and Jonas Jerebko on the bench are capable of shooting the 3-pointer at a high rate too.

So, maybe the Warriors don’t need Klay’s shooting as much as they used to. But, Klay is much more than a 3-point shooter. In many games, Thompson is asked to defend the opposing teams best perimeter player. This is a talent that can not be underrated.

Furthermore, Klay has been great at accepting his role as a third or fourth scoring option. This is something that is tough to find and might not be present in whatever player the Dubs sign to replace Thompson.

Next. Klay Thompson named All-Star reserve for fifth time. dark

Therefore, the Warriors absolutely should offer Thompson the max contract. He is still extremely valuable to the team and he has earned his money.

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