Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green could command more money than initially projected

The Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green are expected to reunite on a new multi-year deal in free agency, but the franchise’s financial commitment to the four-time champion may now need to be more than initially projected.

The 33-year-old opted out from his $27.6 million player option for next season, leaving him as an unrestricted free agent. It was initially projected that Green may earn less per year on a multi-year deal, though it now appears the Warriors will struggle to find savings on their exorbitant luxury tax bill.

The Golden State Warriors may need to fork out $100 million in order to retain Draymond Green once free agency opens on Friday.

Earlier in the month, The Athletic’s John Hollinger projected that Green and Golden State could come together on a three-year, $75 million contract. However, with a team like the Sacramento Kings since opening up cap room to potentially entice the former Defensive Player of the Year, the Warriors might have a tough time re-signing Green at anything close to that projection.

Slight concern regarding Green’s future was raised for Warrior fans on Monday, with Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes stating that Green and his Klutch Sports management are willing to explore the free agent market.

"“I was told that Draymond Green is open to taking free agent meetings with other teams. What do I think happens? I think Draymond ends up back with Golden State”, Haynes said."

Following their decision to free up cap room by dumping Richaun Holmes’ contract on draft night, the Kings have become a potential suitor for Green. That could make Golden State nervous, particularly given the Warrior connections through head coach Mike Brown and owner Vivek Ranadive.

According to The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Sacramento could put enough pressure on to force Golden State into a three-year deal in excess of $100 million, which would mean a yearly increase of at least $6 million.

"“I think it should be three-for-100. I just think the fear of losing him is going to factor into this and they’re going to have to pay more than he wants”, Simmons said. “If you’re him and Klutch is doing this correctly, he was the best defensive player in the league last year. Who had a bigger impact on their team?”"

The Warriors have shown their hand by making a blockbuster move for 38-year-old Chris Paul — this is a team focusing on the timeline of their championship core. That makes retaining Green even more imperative, which in turn increases his leverage in negotiations.

The next question is what price point the Warriors are willing to go to before it becomes irresponsible. Paying Green closer to $40 million per season until he’s 36/37 is a matter Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office will surely have to wrestle with.