Draymond Green Enters Unrestricted Free Agency with Warriors 4f6np

Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green has decided to decline his $27.5 million player option for the 2023-24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent, as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Exploring All Options 4u3354

Green’s agent, Rich Paul, stated, “We will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options,” according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Despite this decision, the Warriors organization expected it and is committed to making every effort to re-sign Green on a new deal, as reported by Wojnarowski and ESPN’s Marc Spears on “NBA Today.”

A Turbulent Season 2v4y2

This past season proved to be a tumultuous one for the 33-year-old. Green averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over 73 games, shooting 52.7% from the field and 30.5% from beyond the arc. The season began with an incident where Green punched teammate Jordan Poole, prompting him to take a break from the team. Head coach Steve Kerr later acknowledged that the altercation had hindered the Warriors’ performance.

Green’s troubles continued into the playoffs, as he received a one-game suspension during the first-round series against the Sacramento Kings due to his history of unsportsmanlike conduct, according to the league. Nevertheless, Kerr emphasized Green’s importance to the team, stating, “If Draymond’s not back, we’re not a championship contender. He’s that important to winning, to who we are. I absolutely want him back.”

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Both Green and Kerr have expressed their desires for the forward to remain with the Warriors. Kerr even appeared on Green’s podcast, where they discussed the key elements of building a championship team. With the recent change in leadership, as Bob Myers stepped down and was replaced by Mike Dunleavy Jr. as president and general manager, Dunleavy now faces the task of negotiating Green’s contract.

Speaking at his introductory news conference, Dunleavy addressed the report, stating, “We really want Draymond back. What he means to this organization and this team in of trying to win at the highest level, we feel like we have to have him. So that’s very important.”

Looking ahead, Green, who earned $25.8 million in the 2022-23 season, is likely to seek a maximum contract extension worth $164.2 million over the next five seasons, a deal he reportedly believed he deserved during the previous offseason.

As the Warriors navigate the offseason, Dunleavy will have a range of responsibilities to handle in his new role as the team’s general manager.