Draymond Green Declines 2023-24 Player Option
Draymond Green now has an uncertain future, as the former Defensive Player of the Year has declined his $27.5 million player option for the 2023-2024 season with the Golden State Warriors, Shams Charania of The Athletic was the first to report his decision Monday.
Golden State Warriors four-time NBA champion Draymond Green is declining his $27.5 million player option for 2023-24 season and will enter unrestricted free agency, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 19, 2023
The former second-round pick has enjoyed a very good career thus far. At age 33, Green is one of the NBA’s most decorated active players. He is one-third of the Golden State Warriors’ golden age alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. There is no doubt that Draymond remains one of the sharpest and most experienced minds in the game today.
However, you also must admit that he is not the player he once was. His peak was as a small-ball center, where the Warriors ran through the Western Conference year after year. But it’s difficult to say whether he could still keep up with big men today.
He also poses some risks as a power forward due to his inconsistent shooting ability. However, his basketball IQ remains up there with the top vets in the league. One way or another, he just finds a way to win.
Where Next?
Of course, people on Twitter have linked him to the Los Angeles Lakers. Green is very close with future hall-of-famer LeBron James. The Warriors and Lakers also had an entertaining second-round series in the playoffs this year. James and Anthony Davis knocked out the defending champs in six games. Other potential destinations are unclear.
Could a team like the Dallas Mavericks, or even the cross-town Clippers emerge as a fit? Maybe even the Houston Rockets as they are looking to reel in a big name of some kind. In any event, it remains difficult to determine.
Draymond Green is adding to the free agent market. One of the savviest and most well-known players could be on the move.