Draymond Green declined the $27.5 million option on his contract on Monday, setting himself up to hit free agency this offseason.
The opportunity still remains for him to sign a new deal with the Warriors, as well as explore other options, something which was indicated by Green’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
On Monday, following Green’s decision to opt out of his deal, Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. told reporters that the team hopes to keep the 33-year-old in a Golden State uniform.
“We really want Draymond back,” said Dunleavy, via Marc J. Spears of ESPN. Dunleavy also indicated that the team “feels confident we can navigate it” in regard to a new deal for the veteran forward.
Green was set to enter the final season of a four-year, $99.6 million deal he signed with the team ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. He’s been with the Warriors ever since they drafted him in the second round in 2012. Now, he can explore his options on the open market before making a decision on his future, whether that be in the Bay Area or elsewhere.
Last year, the four-time All-Star averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.
In addition to Green’s contract situation, Dunleavy addressed Jordan Poole’s future with the team, suggesting the 24-year-old guard would be in Golden State for at least four more years. Poole is entering the first season of a four-year, $128 million contract, and Dunleavy indicated there’s no expectation that Poole be departing the team before that deal is through.
