Draymond Green may not be a Golden State Warrior much longer and he knows it.
The Warriors big man has a player option for next season. That has led to some speculation that he may not return to the only NBA Franchise that he’s ever played for.
“Quite frankly, the writing is on the wall,” Green said. “I understand the business. We tend to get into this mindset of someone owes us something because of what we’ve accomplished. You’d be an idiot to walk around feeling that way. I feel like you’re just setting yourself up for failure. You’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment. As opposed to saying, ‘No, let me learn this business.’”
Green continued explaining that he would love to stay with the Warriors though he understands the financial situation that the franchise may be forced with. The younger players need paid soon. Though, he didn’t give a definitive answer on if he’d leave there have been rumors of Green teaming up with Damian Lillard.
End of a Dynasty
If Draymond Green does waive that player option and departs from the Warriors, it would be the end of a dynasty. The core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Green have been together for 10 years. In that run, they have won four championships including last year’s. Would the Warriors like to keep the group together? Probably, but they need to focus on the future as well and young players such as Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole are due for extensions.
When it comes to Green as a player, he has been unique in many facets. Not only has he been a defensive-minded player. He’s also been a pioneer for undersized forwards and big men. In some eyes, he may be a future Hall of Famer because of it.
Offensively he is not the flashiest player, and at times has struggled to find his place in lineups without Curry or Thompson. On this side of the ball, he is a pass-first guy with a career average of 5.5 assists from the F/C positions.
The Warriors more than likely would not trade Green at the February trade deadline. Instead, they may add more to their team and chase another ring. Heading into next season is when cuts may need to be made, the Warriors’ salary and luxury tax bill next season is expected to eclipse $450 million. That total is without Green’s $27.6 MM deal.
So, things will be expensive for the Warriors next year. That could create trade talks this summer. Though, for now, this is all just a cloud on the horizon.
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