Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green expects the max

The Golden State Warriors have grown accustomed to paying their players handsomely. Draymond Green doesn’t expect this to change when it’s time for his next contract to be discussed.

According to Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic, Green is searching for a four-year, max extension.

Draymond Green will be asking the Golden State Warriors for a max contract extension. What does this mean for the franchise?

You will not find many Warriors fans who think Draymond hasn’t earned the max.

He’s a foundational member of the dynasty, arguably serving as the key to unlocking the Dubs’ death lineup back in 2015.

Without Green’s versatile defense and underrated playmaking, the Warriors would not be the four-time champions they are today.

It is only right that Draymond gets paid adequately for his contributions.

This will not be easy, though.

Golden State is already pressed for cash. They have to find a way to pay Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole, as well.

Steph, Klay and Dray deserve the money more than anyone else, of course.

However, this is still a tough decision. Both Thompson and Green are 32. While they are obviously good enough to help lead a championship team, they both have shown signs of regression, as well.

Extending Klay and Dray into their mid-30s for the max is something that could hurt the franchise significantly in a few years’ time.

Focusing on Draymond, for this article, how much longer can he continue to be a max-caliber player if his jump shot doesn’t return? As his athleticism dwindles, is his defensive prowess going to remain?

Green posted a rough 6.2 points on 33% shooting in the NBA Finals. Is this a sign of what’s to come for the aging star?

Even so, no one would deny his importance to the Warriors’ success. Given his history, Green has earned the right to get paid first and ask questions later.