Draymond Green is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent. According to BD Cricket Match, the Golden State Warriors are determined to bring him back to San Francisco. Green’s potential exit signals that the team is unlikely to undergo sweeping changes this offseason. The core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins is set to remain intact, while Jordan Poole may end up being the odd man out.
This summer, Green holds a player option, and at 33 years old, he’s likely looking to secure one last major contract. By opting out, he positions himself to negotiate a multi-year deal. Warriors owner Joe Lacob and new general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. are both inclined to re-sign Green, and Curry has voiced his desire to keep the core group together for at least one more year. To make it happen, the Warriors may need to offer a contract around four years in length. Green would probably accept such an offer, as no other team can offer him the same influence and system fit he enjoys in Golden State.
Should Green remain with the team, the Warriors’ main lineup next season would still feature Curry, Thompson, Green, Wiggins, and Kevon Looney. However, Poole’s status becomes increasingly uncertain. Multiple teams have already reached out to inquire about his availability. The infamous altercation between Green and Poole at the start of the season cast a shadow over the team’s chemistry. Later in the season, Poole visibly showed his frustration during games, even drawing public criticism from Curry. If Green stays, Poole may prefer to move on.
In truth, BD Cricket Match notes that aside from Curry, no player is untouchable. Poole could easily become a trade piece in the Warriors’ offseason maneuvering. Meanwhile, Green hopes Curry will personally advocate for his return. He wants the two-time MVP to use his influence to sway the front office. And Curry has done just that, reportedly telling management that he wants to retire alongside Green as a Warrior.
Even so, Curry’s push hasn’t changed the team’s stance. Management remains hesitant to hand Green a large long-term deal. If Green eventually parts ways with the Warriors, BD Cricket Match believes it increases the likelihood of Poole staying. After all, it’s likely only one of them will remain on the roster.
As for Green, his motivation to keep up his podcasting and side projects stems in part from financial goals. Seeking a substantial final contract from the Warriors is, in many ways, a justifiable move. At the end of the day, as long as he keeps moving toward his goal, he’s still in the game.