Draymond Green contract situation: Does the Warriors legend deserve an extension and what could his possible extension look like?
Draymond Green’s contract situation has now been highlighted after the Golden State Warriors extended Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. The former Defensive Player of the Year is set to earn $25.8 million this coming season and will have a player option worth $27.5 after that.
The Warriors’ defensive lynchpin previously mentioned that he wants a maximum deal, which could mean opting out of the final year of his contract. He would then get a new four-year deal that’s roughly around $138.4 million. If he opts in, he gete $27.5 million for 2023-24 and then $96 million for three years.
Bob Myers, the Bay Area team’s longtime GM, is noncommittal about Draymond Green’s extension. Myers wants to see how next season plays out before making the much-awaited decision.
"Draymond's in a great spot. He's got a player option. It's a great position for a player to be in. You control your own destiny... I don't sense any issues there or any problems. I imagine he's gonna have a fantastic year. … Usually, when Draymond has a lot on the line he performs."
"Usually when Draymond has a lot on the line he performs."
Bob Myers on Draymond Green's looming contract situation https://t.co/0SVOGrbwXq
Draymond Green, however, will be 33 next year and looked like the Warriors’ worst player in the first four games of last season's NBA Finals. In the first three games of the series, Green had the same number of points and fouls with 15. He made the news mainly because of his shenanigans on the court and comments off of it.
Had Steph Curry not turned in an all-time great performance in Game 4, there’s no telling what Green’s status would have looked like. After a ridiculously poor series, a max deal would presumably be off the table. Fortunately, the charismatic forward played well in Games 5 and 6 to salvage that series for his contract negotiations.
Draymond Green this series:
15 fouls
15 points https://t.co/1CNMyNuYN8
Draymond Green played in only 46 regular-season games last season and averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7 assists per contest. These are just not the kind of numbers the Golden State Warriors will be willing to spend a max contract on.
Draymond Green may have to look for a max deal outside of the Bay Area
The Golden State Warriors have just committed $249 million over four years to Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. More likely than not, Draymond Green should be on his way out of the Bay Area.
Assuming Green opts into his final year during the 2023-24 season, the Warriors’ salary for 12 players will be $215 million. The team’s luxury tax will be a mouthwatering $268 million, which combined with the salary will be $483 million out of Joe Lacob’s pocket.
Analysis from @con_chron: When Bob Myers agreed to pay Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins a combined $249 million over four years, he knew exactly what that meant:
Draymond Green’s days left with the Warriors are likely numbered. trib.al/Fzwsov3
For the former Michigan standout to stay with the Warriors, he would have to take a hometown discount, which he is reportedly unwilling to do. He deserves an extension but not at the price he wants from the team that drafted him.
Draymond Green could look for one last max payday, but it will have to come outside of the Bay Area. Even if he becomes a free agent and looks to play somewhere else, getting the max deal would be difficult to get.
Green’s limited skill set, recent injury history and often antagonistic behavior will surely color future contract negotiations.