Draymond Green was always returning to the Golden State Warriors. That was never in doubt, even after he opted out of his player option to give the Warriors the financial flexibility to chase LeBron James and other free agents.
Now Green is officially back, agreeing to a one-year, $27.7 million contract that is essentially the same one he opted out of, a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, who was informed by Green’s agent, Rich Paul.
If the Warriors had been successful in landing LeBron, Green likely would have signed a multi-year contract at a lower first-year salary, reports Anthony Slater of ESPN. Now Green, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Brandin Podziemski will all be in the final year of their contracts. The Warriors can extend Curry starting Aug. 29, and give him up to two years, $135 million, if he wants it (he may choose to wait to re-sign, giving the team more financial freedom to add to the roster).
Green played in 68 games for the Warriors last season, averaging 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, shooting just 41.8% from the floor (32.6% from 3). However, Green’s real value comes as a passer and secondary playmaker, plus the nine-time All-Defense forward is still a high-level defender.
The Warriors also are expected to make official soon the signing of De’Anthony Melton for two years, $11 million. That would leave the Warriors about $8.3 million below a hard cap at the second apron with 12 players on the roster. Expect them to sign two more players to minimum deals, leaving the 15th and final roster spot open heading into the season.
