It was only a matter of time before Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors put pen to paper on a new deal for the veteran forward. However, the NBA world was left stunned when reports emerged on Monday that Green decided to decline his $27.6 million player option to help the Warriors build a championship roster.
The Warriors entered the offseason facing major questions about how their aging core could continue to contend in a stacked Western Conference. Just as rumors of a potential blockbuster to pair LeBron James and Anthony Davis with Steph Curry and Draymond Green to form a Big Four picked up steam, reports of Green declining his player option only fueled the speculation.
While landing Davis and James is far from certain, Green revealed exactly why he decided to opt out.
“I’m always willing to work with the team on whatever it is, especially at this point in my career,” Green said on his podcast on Tuesday. “So my decision to opt out was for a few reasons. As you all know, I’ve always taken the approach of working with the organization. I’ve been in one place for 14 years. It’s more of a family to me than anything.. I view Golden State more like Michigan State, like it’s more like an alma mater to me as I’ve been somewhere for 14 years.”
Clearly, Green wants to remain a Warrior until he retires. He fully understands the massive favor he has done for the franchise by opting out to help Golden State build a deep and experienced squad.
“When in a position to try to help better our team, to try to help better this organization, I’m always intrigued by that route. So opting out, I think for us, it leaves optionality,” Green added on his podcast.
“It allows us to possibly do some things. Joe Lacob, Peter Guber, the ownership group has never been one to shy away from doing things that help this team get better. If I can stand on that same side and have a hand in helping this organization be in a better position, I’m always willing to do that. So it gives everyone optionality, and we’ll figure it out from here on what’s the best course moving forward. I feel great about it, and we’ll see where it goes from here.”
By opting out, Green avoids what would have been season-long questions about his future in the Bay. He is well aware that his decision will give GM Mike Dunleavy the financial breathing room to bring in more talent as the salary cap rises.
Read More:
Lakers Compete With 6 Teams For 6’9 Forward in Free Agency as Per Latest Rumors
NBA Insider Casts Doubt on Jalen Green’s Long-Term Future With Suns After Miles Bridges Trade
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
