Draymond Green has made one thing clear: his priority is to finish his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors. But it might not be as easy as it sounds.
After declining his $27.7 million player option, Green entered free agency seeking a new multiyear contract, ideally one that keeps him alongside Stephen Curry for the remainder of his playing days.
The four-time NBA champion has repeatedly stated his desire to retire as a Warrior, but business has a way of changing plans. There are also reports that Green could be looking for a move away from the Warriors in general.
The veteran forward averaged 8.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, and 0.6 BPG on 41.8% FG, 32.6% 3-PT FG, and 70.2% FT in 68 games.
If contract negotiations stall and another team puts significantly more money on the table, Golden State could be losing Stephen Curry’s co-star.
Even at 36 years old, Green is one of the NBA’s most impactful defenders and leaders. That can’t be taken away by his average statistical output. This is the same player who held an impressive 115.0 defensive rating.
His box-score numbers no longer jump off the page, but he still impacts winning. Should he seriously explore the open market, these four teams stand out as the strongest fits.
4. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have already secured Rui Hachimura in free agency in a $28M deal that made sense for both sides. They are heavily monitoring the trade market for frontcourt depth and playmaking to add to their new core of Darius Garland, the recently acquired Brandon Ingram, and Bennedict Mathurin.
Now for the money: The Clippers are operating with a very low cap hit of around $136.4M and have the flexibility to take up $35 million in pure cap space by choosing to make Draymond their new starting power forward. Expect the Clippers to offer the 36-year-old a 3-year deal, paying $32M per season to secure his signature.
No doubt, the Leonard trade allows them to be highly capable of extending a multi-year deal starting significantly above the standard mid-level tier if Green decides to switch teams within California. A starting lineup of Garland, Ingram, Mathurin, Green, and Brook Lopez (or whoever the starting center is) is a great way to get moving in the West.
3. Detroit Pistons
No destination makes more sense if money becomes Green’s top priority. The Saginaw native returning home to Michigan would be a storybook ending to an incredible career.
More importantly, the Detroit Pistons desperately need Green’s championship-level pedigree on both ends of the court. He will help Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren grow exponentially next season.
Detroit’s core has the talent to possibly make the Finals in the East, but developing winning habits is often the hardest step. Green has been there and done that, and he can help a team that lost in Game 7 of the second round last season.
Unlike many contenders, Detroit has the cap space ($140M) to outbid Golden State without ruining its long-term flexibility. The Pistons are more than capable of paying Green $30M per season over a 3-year deal, with a potential player option for that 3rd year.
If the Warriors aren’t willing to match a premium offer, don’t be surprised if Green seriously considers returning to his home state to finish his career where it all began.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially entered a new era. After trading away Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane over the past two seasons, Memphis is no longer the exciting team we have loved.
Instead, the franchise is focused on developing a promising young core of No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, Zach Edey, and Cedric Coward. What this roster lacks is an established veteran who understands exactly what winning basketball looks like.
That’s where Draymond Green becomes invaluable. Those qualities would be essential for a rebuilding Grizzlies team trying to establish a new identity.
Jerami Grant may be the roster’s highest-paid player at over $34 million annually, but Green would likely become the emotional leader from the moment he arrived.
Memphis projects to have approximately $157.9 million committed in salary, leaving enough flexibility to present Green with a competitive offer. A three-year, $90 million contract ($30 million annually) would reward the four-time champion while giving the Grizzlies a respected mentor to guide their young core with the hopes of a play-in spot.
1. Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have blown it up. With Jason Kidd replaced by Dusty May and Cooper Flagg now the centerpiece of the franchise, Dallas needs experienced veterans with big names.
Dallas is projected to carry roughly $177.8 million in team salary but could still prioritize Green with a three-year, $90 million contract that includes a player option in the final season.
The way to do this would be to engage in a sign-and-trade involving sharpshooting veteran Klay Thompson ($17.5M), who averaged 11.7 PPG on 38.3% 3-PT FG and forward PJ Washington ($19.8M) who posted 14.2 PPG and 7.0 RPG in 2025-26.
Yes, that would mean Klay returns to Golden State but the Warriors get Washington as well. Most likely the 2033 second-round pick would have to be headed to Dallas to sweeten the deal.
Ultimately, that deal gives Green long-term security and some flexibility if he chooses to finish his career elsewhere after two seasons.
From Dallas’ perspective, Green is far more than a short-term signing. He becomes the veteran voice every young franchise needs in terms of championship expectations.
As Cooper Flagg develops into the face of the Mavericks, Green could be used to help the next era of basketball in Dallas.
