Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option for the 2026-27 season with the Golden State Warriors, but it might just be the first step of their grand plan.
Green enters free agency and might agree on a cheaper annual contract for more years of security.
Or, he might be helping the Warriors open up cap space to put their pursuit of LeBron James and Anthony Davis in overdrive.
Draymond Green’s contract decision will help the Warriors
Shams Charania has reported that Green’s decision to decline the contract option is directly tied to Golden State’s attempts at putting together a big four this summer.
“This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade to form a Big 4.”
It’s hard to imagine Green being lured away from the franchise where his No. 23 jersey will eventually be retired, especially as long as Steph Curry is on the roster.
With the Warriors requiring cap space to make a competitive contract offer to free agent LeBron James, Green’s decision opens up the entire $15 million mid-level exception for the Warriors, allowing for additional moves to create more space.
Green averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season, and he’ll still be looking for a decent payday over more guaranteed years, but the number he signs for will be directly impacted by the Warriors’ pursuit of LeBron and AD.
How the Warriors can land LeBron James and Anthony Davis
James will need to sign as a free agent, or the Warriors could try a sign-and-trade to give James a bigger contract. Unfortunately, the Warriors don’t have anything of value to trade, so signing James on a discount is their best bet.
The Warriors will hope to use Jimmy Butler’s $56.8 million contract to acquire Davis, with Butler expected to miss most of next season with a torn ACL.
If the chips fall perfectly, the Warriors might have a roster with Curry, LeBron, Green, and Davis leading them next season. It’s a risky bet given their age, but it would make Golden State’s basketball a can’t-miss affair.
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