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Warriors should let Draymond Green walk in 2020

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors hug after the game against the Sacramento Kingson February 21, 2019 at ORACLE Arena 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Draymond Green #23 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors hug after the game against the Sacramento Kingson February 21, 2019 at ORACLE Arena 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors may have to let Draymond Green walk during the 2020 free agency if they want to keep their four stars together past this season.

There’s absolutely no way the Golden State Warriors will be able to hand out four max contracts. However, in order to retain Draymond Green following the expiring of his contract after the 2019-2020 season, they may have to reserve a max for the four-time All-Star.

Green recently signed with Rich Paul. For the Warriors and Green, that may be a sign that the star is ready to move on if he doesn’t get what he desires.

To assume that the Warriors won’t have a max awaiting Green is to also assume that Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson both stay in Golden State following this season. Both All-Stars this season, the Warriors will only have space for one max contract.

It seems likely that the sole max will be given to Klay Thompson. Klay expects the max and has said he may consider signing with the Lakers if he isn’t offered a max. Durant may have to take another pay cut in order to keep this superstar roster together, which he may not do.

That all goes without even mentioning DeMarcus Cousins. If he wants to stay in the Bay yet also wants a few more million, will they consider spending money to retain him as well? There are many options for Golden State.

The avenue which seems ideal is to retain Durant and Thompson past this season. If Durant can wait until after Andre Iguodala’s contract expires, he may also be able to secure a max from Golden State.

The one name that’s oftentimes forgotten about is Draymond Green. Green has been the heart of the franchise for over half a decade. However, he’s not going to be the team’s main offensive threat, and his elite defensive services are forgotten about more than their admired.

At 7.1 points per game, Green is averaging his fewest points per game since the 2013-2014 regular season, the season prior to the Dubs four-straight Finals runs. His assist and rebound averages are down as well.

For many, the jury is still out on whether Green is a star or if he’s just a byproduct of playing alongside Stephen Curry and a cast of superstar teammates.

To make matters even worse, the Warriors will be competing against several other NBA teams, most of which will likely be able to give Green a max in 2020. They’ll have little spending money to retain Green and would have to go deep into the luxury tax to even give him close to a reasonable about.

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The Warriors will have to let Green walk if he won’t take a pay cut. However, if Durant leaves this offseason, this may not even be an issue the Dubs have to consider.

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