Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green likely to make obvious decision on his future
Golden State Warriors‘ forward Draymond Green is expected to opt out of his $27.6 million player option for next season, setting him up to be an unrestricted free agent according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
The 33-year-old’s future is the front office’s main priority this offseason, with new General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. facing a pivotal early moment in the role following his appointment on Friday.
Draymond Green is expected to opt out of his player option for next season, though that’s no real indication of a potential departure from the Golden State Warriors.
Speaking on NBA Today on Friday, Spears outlined the expectation that the four-time All-Star would opt out of the final season of his four-year, $99.7 million contract he signed with the franchise in 2019.
"“The Warriors expect Draymond Green to opt out of the final year of his $26 million contract, I’m being told. But Joe Lacob, [Mike] Dunleavy, the Warriors are going to do everything in their power, if he does as expected, to bring him back."
Spears’ news is nothing different from the long-term belief surrounding Green’s future. Looking for one more big contract before his twilight years, it’s appeared a fait accompli for months that he would opt out in search of a multi-year deal.
Earlier in the month, The Athletic’s John Hollinger suggested that Green could return to the Warriors on a projected three-year, $75 million contract. That would appear a win-win deal where the former Defensive Player of the Year secures more money while helping Golden State reduce their yearly payroll.
Green isn’t the only Warrior expected to opt out of his player option for next season, with Donte DiVincenzo likely to turn away from a $4.7 million contract to enter free agency. Golden State will be hard-pressed to keep the 26-year-old who’s likely to procure a deal the 2022 champions simply can’t match.
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The deadline day for player options is June 29 just before the start of free agency. Green averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists in an impressive regular season where he shot a career-high 52.7% from the field.