4xNBA champion Draymond Green EXITS Warriors, rejects $27.5M player option

Green opts out of his contract with the Warriors and becomes a free agent.

4xNBA champion Draymond Green EXITS Warriors, rejects $27.5M player option

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors (Via Getty Images)

After spending his entire NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green is ready for a change. The four-time champion and three-time All-Star has opted out of his $27.5 million player option for the 2023–24 season, becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Green’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told ESPN on Monday that Green was thankful for his time with the Warriors and had a lot of admiration for the franchise. Paul said that Green would keep an open dialogue with the Warriors and consider all possibilities. “We will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options,” said Paul.

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Green was a second-round pick by the Warriors in 2012 and quickly emerged as a vital piece of their dynasty. He played a key role in their four titles in five years, forming a formidable trio with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017 and made six All-Defensive teams.

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However, Green’s tenure with the Warriors was not without drama and controversy. He had a physical confrontation with Jordan Poole at training camp last season, which created tension within the team. He averaged 8.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. 

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What does Draymond Green’s departure mean for him and the Warriors?

Warriors forward Draymond Green speaks after Game 5 of last summer's NBA Finals. (Via Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Warriors forward Draymond Green. (Via Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Green’s exit leaves a huge hole for the Warriors, who are hoping to bounce back next season with a healthy Curry and Thompson. The team will have to find a way to fill Green’s void on defense, on offense, and in the locker room while also staying under the luxury tax limit.

The Warriors could still try to bring back Green on a different contract, but they will have to compete with other teams that might offer him more money or a better situation. 

Green, meanwhile, will have to decide what he wants most at this point in his career. Does he want to join another contender and chase another ring? Does he want to have a larger role and more freedom on another team? Does he want to stay loyal to the Warriors and try to restore their glory?

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