Looks like Draymond will be right back in the bay
According to recent reports, it seems increasingly likely that Draymond Green will return to the Golden State Warriors. After opting out of his player option, Green became involved in contract negotiations with the team. Jason Dumas reports that Green is seeking a three-year deal to match Steve Curry’s contract, which expires after the 2025-26 NBA season. Green also hinted that he is looking to earn around $100 million in his next contract.
On the strong signs that the Warriors are heading to a new multi-year deal with Draymond Green… despite Sacramento’s newfound financial flexibility to pursue him and the interest of another Western Conference rival: https://t.co/SwBEFrPlrY pic.twitter.com/o3KK2mxyc1
– Mark Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2023
“I still hear nothing but the strong confidence emanating from the Bay Area that a multi-year deal for Green to stay in place is always right. (League sources say a three-year deal is a popular current expectation for the 33-year-old.)”
Dunleavy Jr. makes Draymond a priority
Despite speculation on social media about Green possibly joining LeBron James in Los Angeles, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski stated that a Green and Warriors reunion is very likely. Warriors general manager Mike Donleavy Jr. has expressed the team’s desire to keep Green, stressing his importance to the organization. With free agency about to begin, it seems increasingly likely that Green will stay with the Warriors, the only NBA team he has played for in his entire career.
“I think Steve has said it, and I’ll repeat: we really want Draymond back,” Dunleavy said in his introductory press conference as general manager of the Warriors on June 19. Trying to win at the highest level we feel we have to have it. This is very important. “
It has since been reported that the Memphis Grizzlies were planning an intense pursuit of Drymonferd ahead of their trade for Marcus Smart to the Celtics. Now that they’ve acquired Smart, the move no longer makes financial sense for the Grizzlies.
The Memphis Grizzlies were preparing to pursue Draymond Green in free agency before they traded Marcus Smart 😳 (via Marc Stein) pic.twitter.com/zRW2lcU5IQ
– Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 26, 2023
If negotiations progress positively, Green, a four-time champion, could continue his tenure with the Warriors and contribute to their future success.