SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden State Warriors want to keep Draymond Green, yet the team is ready for him to officially turn down the player’s $27.5 million option for the final year of his contract next season and become an unrestricted free agent seeking long term. term deal.
The Athletic reported on Monday that Green would withdraw. Green, who said in April that he wants to retire with Golden State, will have to notify the Warriors of his decision by June 30.
“I saw the report, too. Until we get the paperwork and files, we can’t comment or say much,” new general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said Monday at his introductory press conference. “I will say it, I think Steve (Kehr) said it, I will repeat it, we really want Draymond back. What he means to this organization and this team in terms of trying to win at the highest level, we feel we have to get him. So that’s very important.”
Kerr praised Green’s fiery and emotional play. The season began with Green Punching Jordan Poole practicing during training camp and then taking a brief leave of absence from the team.
This spring, Green served a one-game shutdown during the Warriors’ 114-97 Game 3 win in a seven-game first round playoff win for Golden State. he He then vowed not to change.
“Draymond will not be affected by Draymond’s rules,” he said. “I will continue to practice how I play the game, conduct my business, and be exactly who I am, because that leads to winning.”
In the fourth quarter of the Kings’ 114-106 victory in Game Two, Das Green stomped on the chest of Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis Center After Stephen Curry grabbed a defensive rebound.
In 2016, Green was suspended for a crucial Game 5 loss against LeBron James and the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals after accumulating too many glaring fouls in the playoffs that season. The Warriors ended up losing in seven.
Dunleavy and owner Joe Lacob know there is a lot to do better this summer with expectations being that the Warriors will battle for another championship next season.
And they are hoping Green will be part of the core of the players alongside Curry and Klay Thompson who have won four titles together.
“Look, he was a great player for us. We wouldn’t have had these championships without him, no doubt,” Lacob said of Green.
“I think everyone understands that in this room. He’s meant a lot to this franchise. He’s a little bit of a controversial player maybe in some corners around the league, certain things that have happened over the years. He knows that. We know that. But the good outweighs the bad is what I’ll say it.
“…he meant a lot. I think if he comes back, he will be very important to our success for sure going forward in the next few years.”
Dunleavy, who was promoted from assistant GM to replace Bob Myers, is optimistic about keeping the roster together — Paul and the younger players, too.
Curry, Green, and Thompson still compete at the elite level.
“That is our hope. We love and appreciate these guys. I think there is a way to do that. That is something we have to work through. It is definitely possible,” said Dunleavy. “The important thing is that these guys are still playing at a high level. Steve is one of the top five players in the league. Draymond just had an amazing year. Basically first team all defence. We are biased. One of the best defenders in the league. Clay has come back well from his Achilles tendon and knee injury. These guys play well at an older age.”
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