Draymond Green not only could remain with the Warriors next season, but reportedly for years to come.
Immediately after Golden State's season-ending 122-101 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals on Friday at Crypto.com Arena, The Athletic's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported, citing sources, that the Warriors plan on discussing a multiyear contract with Green this offseason.
"The Warriors intend to discuss a new multi-year contract with Green, either via an opt in and extend or an entirely new deal after an opt out, sources briefed on the matter tell The Athletic," Charania and Slater wrote. "Green has leverage: He is expected to have multiple playoff-contending teams in pursuit if he enters the open market, sources added. But both Green and the Warriors appear intent on discussing an extension to their partnership, if the price is right. He just finished his 11th season with the franchise."
The veteran forward has a $27.6 million player option for the 2023-24 NBA season, and, as The Athletic reports, the Warriors will pursue all options in retaining Green, whether he opts in to the remainder of his original four-year, $99.6 million contract signed prior to the 2019-2020 season, or signs a completely new contract with Golden State.
There were questions regarding Green's future with the team after he punched teammate Jordan Poole before the start of the season, hinting that the writing might be on the wall for the 33-year-old. However, in speaking to reporters after the Warriors' loss to the Lakers, Green made it very clear where he wants to play next season and for the remainder of his career.
"We'll see what happens as far as my contract goes," Green told reporters after the loss. "Obviously, I have an opt out, everybody knows about that. I knew about that, I'm aware of that. As I've told you guys for years, I want to be a Warrior for the rest of my life, I want to ride out with the same dudes I rode in with."
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Golden State Warriors
Green has been a vital piece to the Warriors' dynasty throughout his 11-year career and continues to play at a very high level. The four-time All-Star was named to the All-Defensive Second Team earlier this week, his eighth All-Defensive nod.
If the Warriors want to continue competing for championships, a defensive force and offensive facilitator, like Green, will be necessary.