Draymond Green entering unrestricted free agency means the Golden State Warriors are a step closer to falling out of championship contention, in the words of head coach Steve Kerr.
The four-time NBA champion has a $27.5 million option to extend his contract into next season. But ESPN and The Athletic report that the 33-year-old will become a free agent after declining that option to test the market.
Green has spent the last 11 seasons with the Warriors since being drafted in 2012. The stay can only continue if the two parties reach a new agreement this summer, and that is still not off the table.
The player's agent, Klutch Sports' Rich Paul, told ESPN that they "will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options". Green declining his player option was always likely, and the Warriors are now keen on agreeing to a new deal.
Before the latest developments, head coach Steve Kerr was blunt about the situation when their NBA Playoff hopes came to an end. He admitted that losing Green would likely end their hopes of winning a championship next year.
"Look, if Draymond is not back, we're not a championship contender," Kerr said in May during exit interviews. "We know that. He's that important to winning and to who we are. I absolutely want him back.
"He knows that he also compromised things by what happened back in October (with the Jordan Poole incident ). So part of him coming back next year has to be about rebuilding some of that trust and respect that he's earned here for a long period of time."
Green has also made known that staying is his preference. He asserted that position on his podcast after their postseason elimination, but will clearly consider his options as he searches for the best possible deal.
"Obviously, I have a player option," Green said in May. "My agent, Rich Paul, is the best in the business, and we have not had the opportunity yet to sit down and discuss any future things.
"I don't know what the options will be; I don't know what my option will be here; I don't know any of those things. What I can tell you is; I want to be here. I've been here 11 years, and you just don't throw that away, and, quite frankly, I think we still have more championships that we can and will win."
Golden State exited the playoffs in the Western Conference semifinals to the Los Angeles Lakers. Nonetheless, Green is bullish about their prospects.
"So, understanding all that, I want to be here, but I also understand that this is a business, and I know the business side of it and the penalties that lie ahead with the new CBA. I know all of those things; I think winning is worth it, and I know we still will win."
In the Bay, Stephen Curry still has three years remaining on the $215 million deal that started last summer. However, backcourt partner Klay Thompson is entering the final year of his contract with the team.
Alongside Curry, only Andrew Wiggins and Poole are there long-term. The latter is also the subject of trade talk.
