“I was told that (new general manager Mike Dunlevy Jr.) has already met with Steve Curry and Draymond Green. The Warriors expect Draymond Green to opt out of the final year of his contract, but … the Warriors will do everything they can, if he does,” said the Spurs. As expected, to bring it back.”
The TV segment centered on the impact of Dunleavy’s promotion prior to a critical season. It’s been a “smooth transition” so far, Spurs is hearing, noting the CEO’s “strong relationship” with head coach Steve Kerr and his long history in the NBA as a former player. Spurs added that the Warriors are extending trade invitations to Jonathan Cuminga and Jordan Paul.
Considered the 2016-17 Defensive Player of the Year, Green is the best linebacker of his generation, earning All-Defensive nods in eight of the past nine seasons, including 2022-23. He was a valuable member of the Golden State dynasty during that span, winning four championships to go along with four All-Star berths and two All-NBA selections.
This is not to say that Green’s time with the Warriors was uncontested. Often among the league leaders in technical fouls, he punched Paul before training camp began last fall and was suspended for one game in the playoffs after an incident with the Kings’ Dominas Sabonis. Among other past transgressions.
The 33-year-old Green averaged 8.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.0 SPG and 0.8 BPG in .527/.307/.713 shooting in 73 regular season games (31.5 mpg) this past season. The Warriors won the title in 2022, but lost their second round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers in May.
Green spent 11 years of his career with Golden State, the team that picked him at #35 in 2012. He would become one of the top names on the open market if he actually turned down that option.