"Draymond has been following LeBron around like a puppy dog" - NBA executive thinks the LA Lakers are interested in Draymond Green when he enters free agency
The friendship between LeBron James and Draymond Green has developed over the years. One NBA executive believes that their friendship could lead to Green's potential arrival to the LA Lakers. While a trade is nearly impossible this season, Green could enter free agency next summer.
In an interview with Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, an anonymous executive from the Western Conference discussed Green's future.
The executive explained that James wants to bring the former Defensive Player of the Year to the Lakers. But since the Lakers won't trade their unprotected picks for Green, signing him in free agency is more plausible.
"You'd have to build it around, what, Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker?" the executive said. "Or Kendrick Nunn? So, the only thing the Lakers could offer Golden State that might be worth it is the two picks they have. Send out all those guys plus the picks in 2027 and 2029.
"They like Draymond, LeBron wants Draymond, and Draymond has been following LeBron around like a puppy dog these last couple of years. But I can't see them giving up those two picks for him, not at his age and not with him being a free agent next summer anyway."
The executive also told Sean Deveney why the Golden State Warriors might not trade Draymond Green. The dynamic of the defending champions is evident on the court. A trade could only happen if there's more drama in the Warriors' locker room.
"Things would have to get pretty bad for the Warriors before they would dump Draymond," the executive said. "But, you don't know, because you don't know the dynamics going on in that locker room. If they have had it with him – and by that, I mean Steph and Klay – then, OK, you could see a trade coming up.
"They know how important he is, though. The Lakers don't have anything real they can give back to the Warriors in any kind of trade."
Will Draymond Green enter free agency next summer?
Draymond Green is eligible to sign an extension with the Golden State Warriors. However, Green's incident with Jordan Poole certainly affects his chances of earning a new deal. The Warriors also signed Poole and Andrew Wiggins to extensions.
The four-time NBA champ has a player option worth $27.5 million for next season. If Green decides to opt out, he'll be entering free agency. But the dark cloud surrounding his punch on Poole could affect his chances of getting a max contract in the market.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Green is expected to exercise his player option. Wojnarowski noted that Green might not get what he wants in free agency, and he'll settle with repairing his image first. Another factor is the Warriors ownership's willingness to pay additional luxury taxes.
"I think there is a lot of time left for the Warriors and Draymond Green to make that decision," Wojnarowski said. "But certainly, I think, the opt-in on his contract next summer is probably the most likely scenario."