Draymond Green has long been the emotional pulse of the Golden State Warriors, but as the team stares down a pivotal offseason, it’s not just his leadership or defense that looms large - it’s his contract. And right now, it’s Green who holds the cards.
The four-time NBA champion has a $27.7 million player option for next season, and whether he opts in or out could shape the entire trajectory of the Warriors’ summer. That number isn’t just a line on a spreadsheet - it’s a domino that could tip over everything from trade strategy to free agency plans.
Let’s break it down. Golden State currently has just five players under contract for next season.
That’s it. And while there’s a lot to sort out - including decisions on Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and De’Anthony Melton, all of whom could hit the open market - Green’s contract situation is the one that casts the biggest shadow.
If Draymond picks up his option, that’s a significant chunk of cap space spoken for. That would make it much harder for the front office to retain other key pieces like Porziņģis and Melton. It would also complicate negotiations with restricted free agents Gui Santos and Quinten Post, who’ve shown enough promise to warrant a closer look.
Now, here’s where it gets tricky. From a front office perspective, the ideal scenario would be getting a read from Green early - some sort of indication of his intentions. But after reports swirled before the trade deadline that the Warriors were willing to include him in a potential deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s fair to wonder if Green feels any obligation to keep the team in the loop.
And if he does opt in? The Warriors could explore trading him immediately - a move that would give them back some flexibility.
But that’s easier said than done. A $27.7 million salary for a 35-year-old forward with a history of volatility isn’t exactly a hot commodity on the open market.
The value of that contract doesn’t necessarily match the value of Draymond’s on-court impact, especially for a team that doesn’t already have his voice embedded in its locker room culture.
There’s also the alternative: Green opts out and negotiates a new deal with the Warriors - potentially at a lower annual number - giving the team more room to maneuver and re-sign some of their veterans. That would be a win for both sides: Green gets long-term security, and the Warriors keep their core intact without being completely handcuffed financially.
But again, this all hinges on Green’s decision. Until he makes the call, the Warriors are stuck in a holding pattern.
They can game out multiple scenarios, they can prep for different outcomes - but they can’t act decisively. And for a franchise that’s trying to balance aging stars with a desire to stay competitive, that’s a tough spot to be in.
Golden State had a chance to move on from Green before the deadline. They didn’t.
Whether that was a show of loyalty, a calculated gamble, or simply a missed opportunity depends on how the next few months unfold. But one thing is clear: Draymond Green, once the Warriors’ ultimate glue guy, is now the biggest variable in their offseason equation.