Draymond Green looks closer to ending his era with the Warriors.
The 33-year-old Golden State star declined his $27.5 million player option and looks set to hit free agency.
Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up, NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed that the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings are teams to watch to go after Green should he not return to Golden State. Windhorst made it abundantly clear that the Warriors want Green back and the feeling is mutual.
“There are some teams out there with cap space that are intriguing options for him: The Detroit Pistons, which would be home; the Sacramento Kings have cleaned up their books and opened up a bunch of salary cap space after a draft-night deal. Both of those teams have interest in him. But I don’t think either are compelling enough to have him leave the Warriors, especially if they’re willing to make him a representative contract offer – and all signs point to them doing so,” Windhorst said.
Remaining with the Warriors is still an option for Green, who will test the market, according to his agent, Rich Paul.
“We will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options,” Paul told ESPN, which also includes a possible sign-and-trade.
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Things appeared to be headed toward a divorce after the veteran forward was in the center of controversy when he struck Jordan Poole in the face during a team practice in training camp. Despite signing a huge deal, poole has since been traded away.
Green has been an integral part of the Warriors’ run to four titles over the last nine seasons. He may be a headache and gets into trouble on the court with his antics, but it is clear the team wins nothing without him.
After being drafted out of Michigan State in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft, Green emerged as one of the league’s top defensive players, earning him a dazzling eight All-Defensive team nods. He also won Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.
Green averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in the 72 contests he played in this year. He also earned an All-Defensive second-team honors.
