The secret of the NBA has been for years. Everyone knows its value yet still does not receive the attention it deserves. Klay Thompson is used to it. The last "affront" was the exclusion from the three All-NBA 2018-19 quintets, where Irving, whose Boston was crushed by the weight of expectations, and Kemba Walker, whose Charlotte did not make the playoffs, were inserted. And he was ignored once more. With his free agency, same thing.

After 8 seasons with Golden State, the last 5 from All Star will be released by the end of the month. Yet only a few spin it. Because the renewal with the Warriors is considered obvious. And so the Californian leadership is expected to satisfy Klay Thompson. Immediately, in the first hours of the market. But this time Golden State has to pay him well, without expecting discounts. Otherwise Thompson could look around.

The magic numbers are 5 years and 190 million. The maximum wage that Golden State can pay him. That absence from the first 3 NBA quintets is worth a discount to former champions, who with their desperate tax situation need it. They are the distance that separates Thompson from the signing of the renewal, like the races that a team misses to get the mathematical qualification to the playoffs.

Klay earns 19 million a year: the salary will double. The injury suffered in race 6 of the Finals should not affect: the crucial ligament operation of the left knee is expected in the week. This is a serious injury, but not like that of Durant: the injured Achilles tendon is much more frightening, due to the time and manner of recovery.

Iguodala in ESPN has just declared that he expects to find Thompson on the floor since February 2020. In short, everything is defined, except for twists. If the Warriors, admitted and not granted, thought to sacrifice Thompson to the fiscal situation, even just asking for a discount, the Los Angeles Clippers prospect would take altitude.

Because Thompson is the perfect joint for the Warriors basket machine. The symbiosis with Curry, the other Splash Brother, is obvious. Klay covers his back in defense and punishes doubling on Steph in attack. In the locker room, if Curry is the free man, Green is the testosterone, Iguodala is the wise veteran, but Thompson is the robot that never leaves you on foot, on either side of the field.

The certainty; 21.5 points per game last season, pulling 46.7% from the field and 40.2% from 3 points. At the Finals, in the event of a triumph, Warriors would have been an authoritative candidate in an MVP key. Teammates know what it's worth: respected, even loved, in the environment. The role, as a public showcase, is suited to its reserved character. And with or even without Durant, the Warriors would remain competitive.