Warriors’ division rival out of Draymond sweepstakes after latest news
By Rohan Borges
Even at 33 years old, Draymond Green is one of the biggest names on the market, and it’s expected that Green will command north of $20 million annually. However, one team rumored to have an interest in Green is no longer a real threat to land the former Defensive Player of the Year.
On Thursday, the Sacramento Kings and Harrison Barnes agreed on a three-year $54 million extension, likely ending Sacramento’s brief pursuit of Draymond Green.
Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes – a key part of the franchise’s rise into Western Conference contention – has agreed on a new three-year, $54 million contract extension, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JCT4RUayt7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023
On draft night, the Kings traded the 24th overall pick and Richaun Holmes to the Dallas Mavericks, freeing up over $34 million dollars in cap space. Many around the league believed that Sacramento was clearing up space with the intention of offering Green a deal he couldn’t refuse at the start of free agency. But Warriors fans can take a deep breath, as Barnes’ extension means Sacramento will not have enough to match any realistic offer from Golden State.
With Barnes set to make approximately $18 million per year, the Kings will only have $16 million in remaining cap room — nowhere near enough to lure Green away from the Warriors.
Amid all of the uncertainty and outside noise, one thing is for sure — Draymond wants to remain a Warrior for life, and Golden State is determined to lock him up for at least another three seasons. With Sacramento out of the picture, Green’s return is all the more likely, as he would have to be blown away by a competing offer to truly entertain the idea of leaving.
A few teams, namely the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, and Green’s hometown Detroit Pistons have the means to offer Green nearly $30 million per year, which is more than any number the Warriors can throw at him. But it’s unlikely that Green would depart from a championship-contending team where he’s spent his entire career to go join a rebuilding situation that won’t maximize his impact or ability.
