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Golden State Warriors will face tough decisions next summer

By Frank Yien

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have had a tremendous run, winning three of the last four NBA titles — but, come next summer, they’ll have some tough decisions to make.

Consider what’s transpired for the Golden State Warriors, and how hard it is to win one championship, much less three in four years.

The Warriors’ metamorphosis from playoff outsider to three-time champion has been well-chronicled. Whether by design or luck, the Warriors ended up with all the marbles.

Golden State is now faced with the question of how to keep all those marbles.

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Kevin Durant (player option) and Klay Thompson will be free agents next summer. Draymond Green’s contract expires a year later.

They’ve all earned a big payday – but will they get it from Golden State? Will they give the Warriors a hometown discount? Or will the Warriors see their payroll balloon to a breathtaking $300 million including luxury taxes?

Stephen Curry accepted a modest salary in his first few years as a pro due to injuries that threatened his career, but now he has his supermax contract. Durant has given the Warriors a discount two years in a row to help keep the team together.

As a top three player, KD needs to be paid and should see north of $35 million next year. This is not negotiable.

As reported last May, Thompson has already discussed a contract extension with the team in lieu of free agency, which could save the Warriors tens of millions of dollars. But frankly there’s no reason why Klay shouldn’t maximize his opportunity.

A mild-mannered 3-and-D All-Star that you could plug into any team’s starting lineup commands a high salary in this league. More recent news suggests Thompson’s thinking has evolved to testing the market in free agency, though his ultimate goal is to stay with Golden State.

Draymond Green has been absolutely essential to the Warriors’ championship run, with his tireless defense and ability to guard positions one-five.

Green is also a great passer and shot blocker, who can fire up both the team and the crowd (and the refs).

You can argue that his high-exertion style of play won’t age as well as Thompson’s spot-up shooting. But Green still has a few good years ahead of him.

Every Warrior All-Star has played a critical role in the team’s recent success. But in the end, Father Time will close this championship window and this glorious era will pass into Golden State Warriors’ lore.

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Going forward, keeping the team together will be much more expensive, and players’ skills will start to decline. The Warriors will be faced with a question next year and beyond – what will you do with this unique opportunity, not easily created?

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