Draymond Green gave the Warriors some breathing room this week, and he made it clear the decision wasn’t just about money.
Green declined his $27.7 million player option for next season, a move that creates more “optionality” for Golden State as free agency opens up. On his podcast Tuesday, Green said he was willing to work with the organization on whatever makes the most sense at this stage of his career.
“For me personally, I’m always willing to work with the team on whatever is best, especially at this point in my career,” Green said. “As you all know, I’ve always taken the approach of working with the organization. I’ve been in one place for 14 years - it’s more like a family to me than anything.”
He went on to compare the Warriors to Michigan State, calling Golden State an “alma mater” and saying he’s always “intrigued” by whatever can help the team get better. The contract decision also makes it easier for the Warriors to chase LeBron James using the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, though Green didn’t say anything on the podcast that suggested he knew how that pursuit would play out.
“Free agency always brings different twists and turns,” Green added. “We’ll look around and figure out what’s best.”
The Warriors’ draft picture also comes with a clear age question. Yaxel Lendeborg heard plenty about it before the draft, but he isn’t letting it bother him. Golden State’s pick at No. 11 will turn 24 in September, older than the usual lottery prospect, but Lendeborg framed that as fuel.
“In a way, it’s giving me extra motivation,” Lendeborg said. “You guys are acting like I’m really 45 years old.
I’m 23 years old. Most players get into their prime around this age and get better still.
This is going to be my first year in the NBA, this is going to be my first year having an actual offseason, summer training, all that stuff.”
Steve Kerr already raised concerns in May about the challenge of managing an older roster, especially when back-to-backs force teams to lean on rest. Even so, the Warriors seem headed right back into that reality after adding Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton, while also stepping up their pursuit of the 41-year-old James. Nick Friedell of The Athletic suggested Kerr may have to think of the roster as two separate groups: younger players who can be used more regularly and veterans whose minutes need to be carefully handled.
There was also a coaching note tied to Dallas. Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast that the Warriors might have gone after new Mavericks coach Dusty May if Kerr had not re-signed. Windhorst said May was on the “short list” for multiple NBA teams.
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