With Draymond Green officially declining his $27 million dollar player option, he is now an unrestricted free agent. The 33-year-old forward is reportedly looking for something close in length to Stephen Curry’s deal with three years remaining. However, there’s some speculation about Green’s relationship with LeBron James and if that could lure him away from Golden State. After 11 years, could Green really leave the Warriors?
Draymond Green Free Agent Profile
Background
The Warriors have made it clear they want to bring Green back using any means necessary. Green has a storied career with Golden State including four championships, a Defensive Player of the Year, and much more.
After winning a title in 2022, the Warriors were primed to run it back until Green’s offseason incident with Jordan Poole. His actions threw a wrench in the team’s chemistry, and it showed all season as they went 11-30 on the road.
Golden State was able to get past Sacramento in seven games to escape the first round, but their repeat hopes were cut short by the Lakers. With obvious changes needing to be made and continuing tension between Green and Poole, new General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. Will have to decide Green’s worth to the organization.
“To win at the highest level, we feel we have to have [Draymond].”
Mike Dunleavy Jr. says re-signing Draymond Green is the Warriors’ top priority this offseason 👀
(via @NBCSWarriors)pic.twitter.com/R0PbzGlb61
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 19, 2023
Strengths
Green is the glue that keeps the Warriors together. Although Curry is the star, Green does all the dirty work. He defends, rebounds, passes, and sets screens at a high level, giving Golden State a dimension that can’t be replaced. Green always guards the opposing team’s best forward effectively no matter their size despite being just 6-foot-6.
His relationship and chemistry with Curry and Klay Thompson cannot be understated. Multiple plays in every game can be pointed out where Green is able to handoff to either guard and set a solid screen, freeing them up for a shot. This makes him much more valuable to Golden State than any other team.
Weaknesses
Green hasn’t displayed a reliable jump shot since 2016, shooting around 30 percent from three-point range over the last seven years. His lack of floor spacing is easy to hide behind the spectacular shooting of Curry and Thompson. However, it could be exploited elsewhere.
As previously mentioned, his value won’t be as high to 29 teams. Especially following last off-season’s incident, there are question marks about how he can fit in with other rosters, especially young players.
Potential Fits
There are really only two places I see Green going. He’ll either be back in Golden State or he’ll finally team up with LeBron in LA. Green’s familiarity with the Warriors and his relationships could be enough for him to believe they can run it back.
Golden State’s salary cap situation could hinder an easy reunion for both sides. They can find a way, but they would have to pay him more than any other team. This is his most likely destination and what I see happening in the end.
The fact remains that Green’s agent is none other than Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. Paul is also linked to James and Anthony Davis of the Lakers which shows a possibility of Green going to play with his longtime friend. LA’s need for a point guard could prevent them from pursuing Green excessively, but it is an option to watch.
