Make or break time for the Golden State Warriors after Draymond Green opts out

As to be expected, Draymond Green is now an unrestricted free agent. First reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Golden State Warriors’ forward will opt out of his $27.6 million player option for next season and test the open market.

Draymond Green’s decision could make or break the the Golden State Warriors’ hopes of getting back to the top, and the franchise will have to fight tooth and nail to keep him.

Both sides have expressed that a reunion is the desired outcome, but contenders around the league will be clamoring for the services of the future Hall of Famer. Green averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 73 games last season, while adding another All-Defensive team selection to his resume.

Even at 33 years old, Green remains one of the best frontcourt facilitators in the league and arguably the best all-around defender in the NBA.

In all likelihood, Green will sign a new multiyear deal to stay in the Bay long-term. However, the landscape has shifted with the departure of Bob Myers, the team’s former GM and President of Basketball Operations who relinquished his role as the moderator who would typically navigate any complexities during negotiations. Now, shouldering these responsibilities is Mike Dunleavy Jr., the newly appointed Warriors GM whose inaugural move carries significant weight.

During his exit interview last month, Myers joked that he’d to around to “help with Draymond,” were Dunleavy Jr. to need any assistance during contract talks.

If one thing is certain, it’s that the Warriors will take all the help they can. Golden State’s dynasty now hangs in the balance, as retaining Green could be the decisive factor between witnessing their empire crumble or emerging as a refreshed championship contender in the forthcoming season.