Draymond Green is expected to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors for a deal worth nearly $28 million, essentially getting back the salary he initially opted out of. This whole situation started when Green gave up his $27.7 million for next season, all to create financial flexibility for the Warriors to chase his buddy, LeBron James. But, surprise, surprise, James chose the Philadelphia 76ers. What a plot twist, right?
The LeBron Gambit That Blew Up
Green’s move to opt out was a calculated risk. The Warriors wanted to clear space under the first luxury tax apron, which they were hard-capped under. The idea was to free up cash to pay another premium free agent, ideally LeBron. Green was ready to play for less, maybe with some extra protection like a player option for 2027-28, if it meant landing James. He wasn’t going to follow James elsewhere, despite some whispers. His loyalty was to the Bay, but his plan for a new superteam just didn’t pan out. When James went to Philly, it was like hitting the “Whoopsie” button. Green gets his original deal back, and honestly, that’s completely fair. If he was willing to take less, the team better spend that money on something impactful.
Warriors’ Future: A Clean Slate After All That Drama?
So, what does this mean for the Warriors? Well, Green becomes a free agent again next summer, just like most of their roster. Right now, only Gui Santos, Moses Moody, Al Horford, and Yaxel Lendeborg are locked in past this season. De’Anthony Melton has a player option, and Kristaps Porzingis is looking at a $3 million buyout if they cut him loose. We all know Steph Curry is almost certainly signing another contract extension next month, but the bigger picture here is that the Warriors have a nearly clean slate after this season wraps. Management seems fine with an offseason that has only added rookies so far because their to-do list was basically: bring back last year’s 10th-place squad, chase LeBron (LOL), and get one more year of Draymond. They might add someone like DeMar DeRozan, Mario Hezonia, or Bradley Beal, but the main roster drama now shifts to those two-way deals.
The Warriors struck out on their big free agent target, but they’re still rolling with Draymond. Keep an eye out for that Curry extension next month.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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