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Golden State Warriors: Draymond Green deal a steal after exorbitant FA contracts

By Peter O'Keefe

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 30: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors in the third quarter during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Almost right as the time ticked over to 3PM PT, the Golden State Warriors kicked off NBA Free Agency by re-signing franchise legend Draymond Green to a new four-year, $100 million contract.

After speculation the front office would need to delve into the early-to-mid thirties (million) on Green’s annual salary, the fact they got him for an average less than his previous player option ($27.6 million) immediately appeared like a major win for the franchise.

Draymond Green’s new deal is a major success for the Golden State Warriors, particularly after some of the exorbitant contracts handed out on day one of free agency.

The Warriors will also save $43 million in luxury tax with Green’s deal starting at $22.3 million in 2023-24. That’s a huge factor for ownership who will be able to further manage the payroll when Klay Thompson and Chris Paul’s massive deals conclude at the end of next season.

Green got an extra year on the end when most expected a three-year deal, meaning the former Defensive Player of the Year could be earning an estimated $27.7 million in his age 36/37 season should he opt into the fourth-year player option.

Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green
Draymond Green and Steve Kerr will continue to work in partnership at the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Aside from the immediate win on Green’s new contract, the deal became more of a steal the further Friday progressed as a number of huge signings took place. At the top of them sat former Toronto Raptors’ guard Fred VanVleet, with the Houston Rockets using their ample cap room to lure the 2019 champion with a three-year, $130 million deal ($43.3 million average). Sure, VanVleet is younger and has one less year on his contract, but Green still placed 17 spots ahead of him in the latest update of The Ringer’s top 125 NBA players. 

Others to earn more than Green on day one of free agency — Mavericks’ star Kyrie Irving (three-year, $126 million), Bucks’ forward Khris Middleton (three-year, $102 million), and Wizards’ forward Kyle Kuzma (four-year, $102 million). Youngsters Tyrese Haliburton and Desmond Bane also signed rookie extensions in excess of $200 million.

The signing that really turned heads was Portland’s decision to retain Jerami Grant on a five-year, $160 million contract. For context, the 29-year-old ranked two spots below VanVleet and 19 positions behind Green in The Ringer’s rankings.

Bruce Brown also cashed in on his impressive season with the NBA champion Denver Nuggets, signing a two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers. It’s fair to say that contract for a role player, albeit a high-quality one, came as a surprise to many.

There’s always the chance that Green’s deal ages poorly over the next few seasons, but right now it appears like a massive win for the Warriors who desperately needed to retain the services of their four-time champion.

With a high IQ and an impeccable chemistry with Stephen Curry (who’s also signed for a further three years) and Klay Thompson, there has to be optimism that Green can remain a major contributor to a playoff team for the next few years.

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