The Golden State Warriors have a long offseason ahead, and the questions surrounding Draymond Green are among the most pressing. Green said after Friday’s season-ending loss to the Phoenix Suns that he is not retiring and hopes he has done enough to remain a Warrior. The latest reports suggest his future in Golden State is considerably more complicated than that.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Anthony Slater, while there is no desire or mandate within the organization to trade Green, his $27.7 million player option for next season could become a central piece in any roster-building moves the front office pursues this summer.
What the Latest Reports Reveal About the Warriors
GettyDraymond Green will have to decide on a $27.6 million player option this offseason.
The Athletic’s Nick Friedell and Marcus Thompson II reported that Green is optimistic about remaining with the Warriors for the remainder of his career. However, they noted the financial reality facing the front office creates a complicated picture.
With Stephen Curry carrying a $62.6 million salary next season and Jimmy Butler at $56.8 million coming off a torn ACL, Green’s option represents the most moveable significant salary on the roster. Moses Moody’s $12.5 million contract is difficult to trade given his ruptured patellar tendon threatens most of next season.
Friedell and Thompson described Green’s option as potentially “the last opportunity the Warriors have to try to put together a package for a star.” The front office is reportedly awaiting Green’s decision on the option before seriously considering next steps.
Shelburne and Slater added that some within the organization have pointed to Green’s offensive splits this season, with the Warriors posting a 109.4 rating with him on the floor compared to 114.7 without him. Management, however, maintains belief in his defensive impact and has praised his attitude and leadership through a difficult season.
The Giannis Connection
GettyMilwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo enters the offseason with uncertainties about his time with the franchise.
Green himself acknowledged to Slater in April that there was a period before the February trade deadline where he believed he might be the next franchise icon to be moved.
“I understand this business probably as good as any player,” Green said. “I understand like, yo, this is Giannis Antetokounmpo. They not just about to trade me for a bag of peanuts. It would’ve almost been a point of pride.”
He was candid about where his head was at if that trade had gone through.
“I’ll be honest though,” Green said. “I didn’t want to play for Milwaukee.”
The Warriors’ pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo fell short at the deadline. With the Milwaukee Bucks situation appearing increasingly untenable, another run at Giannis this summer is possible. Green would likely be central to any salary-matching package.
The Klay Thompson Precedent
GettyKlay Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors have shown they are willing to set sentiment aside when the basketball decision demands it. Klay Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks two summers ago was a difficult moment for the franchise, but one that proved to be the right call. The organization was not prepared to give Thompson the role or the money he wanted, and they moved on.
Green is a different kind of player and a different kind of relationship. But the framework is familiar. The Warriors need to upgrade a roster that went 37-45 this season, and the financial constraints make Green’s option the most logical lever to pull if they pursue a significant trade.
Final Word for the Warriors
Green wants to stay. The organization has not mandated his departure. But the business of rebuilding around Curry with limited financial flexibility means nothing is off the table this summer.
A decline-and-extend scenario that helps the front office add to the roster is one option being discussed, per reports. A trade package built around his salary is another. Green understands how this works better than most.
The offseason is just beginning. The answer will come in the weeks ahead.
Will Draymond Green Be Traded This Summer? Latest on Warriors Star