Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green must do this to qualify for supermax

Can Draymond Green qualify for the rare supermax contract?

Whether the Golden State Warriors fans like it not, the Dubs may have to pay Draymond Green big money if he can do one of these things this upcoming season.

With the addition of Kevin Durant during the 2016 offseason, the Golden State Warriors became one of the league’s most talented teams ever assembled. Consequently, that means that just about every player marginally regressed stat-wise.

Comparing last season to Green’s 2015-2016 campaign clearly shows Durant’s impact. He’s down in almost every important category, both defensively and offensively.

Last season, Green’s only major award was being named to the West’s All-Star team. While just a handful of players are selected, to qualify for the supermax, Green must do better. For Green, he can do one of three things to qualify for such a contract.

Here’s how the Washington Post laid out the qualifications for the supermax.

"1. He makes one of the three all-NBA teams or is named either defensive player of the year or most valuable player the previous season.2. He has made one of the three all-NBA teams or has been named defensive player of the year in two of the prior three seasons or the league’s most valuable player in one of the three prior seasons.And this crucial stipulation: He has to be on the team that drafted him or has to have been traded on his rookie deal to another team."

How’s that apply to Green?

Well, he’s made an All-NBA team in one of the last two seasons and has also won Defensive Player of the Year in one of the last two seasons. That means, Green must be elite and work towards an All-NBA team, MVP or the DPOY award to be eligible for such an award.

As for all three of those, they seem unlikely for Green this season. With Cousins returning midseason, his numbers and touches may continue to sink, and while he might not say it outright, Green’s goal should/will be seeking that supermax.

After all, while his stats don’t reflect it, Green is one of the league’s most impactful players. He is an absolute force on both the offensive and defensive end of the court. Most players can’t boast such a two-way impact.

While Green might not eventually be eligible for a supermax, he will be capable of a normal max contract, which he should seek if he fails to achieve any of these three goals this season.

Do you think Green has what it takes to be the league’s DPOY or on an All-Star team? And, if so, do you think the Golden State Warriors should pay him supermax money?