After striking out on their primary targets this summer, the Golden State Warriors have re-shifted their focus to taking care of their own. As it currently stands, superstar point guard Stephen Curry is already closing in on an extension, but Draymond Green remains unsigned over three weeks into free agency.
In a segment on his podcast, the Warriors veteran opened up on his free agency and the current state of his contract talks. Surprisingly, he revealed that the Warriors have yet to make an offer in the aftermath of the LeBron James sweepstakes. He also clarified that he’s in no rush to strike a deal, even though it’s already been over 25 days (and counting).
“I am still unsigned; I have no contract offer. The Warriors have not offered me a contract yet,” said Green on his podcast. “We will figure it out. No one’s patience has worn thin; my patience hasn’t worn thin; Rich Paul’s patience hasn’t worn thin; neither have the Warriors’ patience worn thin, nor anyone else for that matter. I saw a post the other day about starting players in the NBA, the length of time they’ve been a free agent, and I just wanna throw my hat in that bucket. My free agency days are growing by the day.”
On paper, Draymond seems expendable, but what he does for the Warriors cannot be properly represented on the stat sheet. Over the past 14 years, he’s served as their defensive anchor and protective enforcer on the court, averaging 8.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game on 44.7% shooting from the field. He was there from the very beginning, playing a crucial role in their four most recent championships.
Green made roughly $25 million last season, and he had a player option worth $27.7 million. He opted out to help the Warriors make roster upgrades, but now he’s expecting to get paid, with negotiations starting at $28 million per year. Whether or not he’s actually worth that contract is debatable, but the Warriors cannot afford to let him walk.
After going 37-45 last season (10th in the West), the Dubs need all the help they can get to turn the tide and salvage what’s left of the Curry era. Re-signing Green is just the first step, but it’s arguably the most important given the lack of suitable replacements. If they can then get Jimmy Butler back in action, it will go a long way toward making the Warriors competitive in the West. There’s also the impact of Kristaps Porzingis, who can provide crucial floor spacing in the frontcourt. The only meaningful change for the Warriors (so far) is the addition of Yaxel Lendeborg, who may just define the Warriors’ post-Steph future.
Regarding what happens if the Warriors try to lowball Green, it’s still unclear. With a limited market, Green doesn’t have much leverage right now (especially at 36), but he seems more than willing to wait on an offer he can accept. For the Warriors’ sake, they better hope an agreement is reached soon, or their already precarious situation could become even more unstable.
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