What does Draymond Green opting out of contract mean for the Warriors?
According to reports, Draymond Green has declined his player option and will go into free agency. What does this mean for the Warriors?
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Draymond Green is opting out of his player option to enter free agency this summer.
The Golden State Warriors could lose one of its key dynasty pieces for the first time. If Green leaves the Warriors, the Miami Heat could be an option according to Five Reasons Sports. Green has plenty of other suitors if he were to choose to not re-sign with the Warriors.
It was expected that Green would opt out this off-season. Likely, he has only one major contract left in him and will be looking to max his earnings on this upcoming deal.
Will Draymond Green stay with the Golden State Warriors?
If the Warriors and Draymond Green were absolutely certain that they would end up staying with each other long-term, then Green would likely opt into his deal to work on an extension to the existing contract. Then, the two sides would most likely work out a long-term extension over the next couple of days.
His agent, Rich Paul, indicated they would look to land on a new deal with the Warriors. Adrian Wojnarowski says the Warriors would like to sign him to a new deal, but does not rule out a sign and trade:
Klutch's Rich Paul to ESPN on Golden State's Draymond Green declining player option: "We will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options," Paul said. It was expected Green would opt-out and now he can talk with Warriors, explore sign-and-trades and free agency.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2023
Green is an aging player who seems to be declining in play. In another system, he will most likely not be as valuable.
A team could use his veteran leadership, defense, and secondary offense. His antics will surely not be appreciated on another team where they do not value him in the locker room as much. Still, a team like the Rockets looking to compete could offer Green a max contract on a long-term deal due to the fact that they want to compete now rather than later.
At the end of the day, the Warriors will try to keep Green but it might be hard for them to do it with their luxury tax concerns. Due to this reason, he may spend the final part of his career with a different team.
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