When asked about the current state of his contract with the Warriors, Draymond Green stated that he doesn’t think a contract extension will happen before the NBA season but he’s going to use that as motivation.
SAN FRANCISCO – Draymond Green is ready to bet on himself this season, which should warm the hearts of everyone associated with the Warriors.
Entering the final firm year of his contract – he has a player option for the 2023-24 NBA season – Green would like to have gotten the security of an extension but realizes it’s unlikely.
“At this point, you know, whether I'd like to or not – I don't think it will happen,” Green said Sunday.
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It’s what he said next that surely sent a smile across the faces of the coaching staff and front office:
“I'm just focused on this season and being as great as I can be – and as I know I'm capable of being," Green said. "And winning another championship and reaching my individual goals that I have as well.”
Draymond will earn $25.8 million this season and, if he opts in, $27.6 million in 2023-24, after which he would become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
He turns 33 next season and realizes this might be his last chance to earn another large contract that could take him into his late 30s. So, there is more than sufficient incentive.
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“Some people are motivated by contract years, and some people are nervous and struggle during contract years,” Green said. “I think it's all based on the player. For me personally ... anytime it's a contract year is motivation. And that's kind of how I approach it and how I view it. And it's always been the way I've viewed it.
“I've historically been the guy to bet on myself even when others didn't believe. I've always felt confident betting on myself, and nothing changes for me now.”
Which puts those individual goals sharply in focus. At the top of that list is another Defensive Player of the Year award. He wanted that honor last season and was among several contenders before being sidelined with a back injury that forced him to miss nine weeks in the middle of the season.
The DPOY award went to Celtics guard Marcus Smart. There is little doubt that watching Smart get abused by Stephen Curry as the Warriors rolled to an NBA Finals victory enlarged the chip already on Draymond’s shoulder.
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Though the collective chip on the shoulder of the Warriors, created by occasional dismissal of their accomplishments, might be fading, Draymond always finds another from which to gain inspiration.
“I don't think it's the same chip,” Green said. “I'd be lying to you if I told you it was.
“But there are chips. There are chips. There's no shortage of chips, I can tell you that.”