If LeBron James signs elsewhere, the Warriors' backup plan is reportedly to reward Draymond Green with a significant new contract.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly preparing to prioritize financial stability if their pursuit of LeBron James does not result in a deal.
According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, Golden State's alternative plan would be relatively straightforward: retain Draymond Green, give him the salary he wants, and preserve long-term financial flexibility for the post-Stephen Curry era.
"Yeah, boring. I think stable," Slater said when asked about the Warriors' Plan B.
Golden State have reportedly structured their roster to avoid major long-term salary commitments, allowing the organization to remain flexible once Curry's championship window closes.
"I mentioned this: a part of the Warriors' long-term plan is post-Steph right now, let's just be honest," Slater explained. "I know Steve Kerr came back, and I know there's this belief that they will throw all the picks because it's about the next couple of years; it's not really all about the next couple of years."
Warriors keeping options open for post-Curry era
Slater highlighted that Golden State currently have only $34.9 million in guaranteed salary committed beyond the upcoming season.
That financial flexibility, combined with the Warriors' decision to retain their draft capital, could allow the franchise to pursue another star in the future rather than sacrificing all of its assets for a short-term move.
"Think about how they have kept their books clean and beyond this season only have $34.9 million committed," Slater said. "They have a lot of—fans don't like to hear this—but optionality and flexibility.
"They can go after future stars. They've kept their draft picks, even though people wanted them to trade them."
The Warriors also used the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Yaxel Lendeborg, further demonstrating their willingness to invest in younger players while maintaining flexibility.
"And they used the 11th pick on Yaxel Lendeborg," Slater continued. "We're seeing it right here, this is very limited money committed long-term."
Golden State reportedly have only five guaranteed contracts on the books for the 2027-28 season.
Draymond Green expected to stay regardless of LeBron decision
Draymond Green
Draymond Green
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
The Warriors are also expected to sign Curry to a two-year, $136 million contract extension, worth an average of $68 million per season.
Green, meanwhile, is expected to remain with the franchise regardless of whether James chooses Golden State.
The four-time NBA champion declined his $27.6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, a move designed to create additional financial flexibility for the Warriors.
"I fully expect him to come back," Slater said. "All expectations are that he comes back. The point of him opting out and giving this $27.6 million player option back was to create the financial flexibility."
James' decision would reportedly affect the structure and value of Green's next contract rather than determine whether he stays.
"If LeBron came, he would get a two- or a three-year deal with a little bit more security," Slater explained. "But if, let's say, LeBron James doesn't come, they could just give Draymond Green back basically a $27 million offer, which would basically put him back on the player option."
Such an agreement would allow Green to receive the payday he is seeking without requiring the Warriors to add a major long-term commitment to their books.
"This would keep the Warriors' long-term financial flexibility and give Draymond Green the payday he wants," Slater concluded. "Basically, the Warriors and Draymond Green want to be together for the entirety of his career."
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