Draymond Green opted out of his $27.6 million player option on Monday. He will now enter unrestricted free agency ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season.
There are rumors that Green may join another team. After all, he was seen hanging out with LeBron James in France on Sunday. But according to NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith, the Golden State Warriors should hand him a new contract, even if it costs them another $100-$120 million.
“Draymond Green is easily worth another $100 million,” Smith said on ESPN’s First Take.”… $100-$120 million in today’s NBA economy, with KAT signing for $250 million, and they ain’t win a damn thing? I don’t want to hear that Draymond Green ain’t worth that money. You’re damn right he’s worth that money. It’s not just about offense, is it? Draymond is one of the elite defensive players in this game.”
Smith added: “One of the brilliant basketball minds in this game – the synergy he has with Steph Curry… Draymond Green doesn’t even have to look where he is throwing the basketball. He just has to throw to spots.”
“Draymond Green deserves a three to four-year extension averaging $27 million to $30 million,” the ESPN analyst concluded.
.@stephenasmith says Draymond Green is "easily" worth another $100M 👀
"$100-$120M in today's NBA economy, with KAT signing for $250M and they ain't win a damn thing? I don't want to hear that Dryamond Green ain't worth that money. You're damn right he's worth that money." pic.twitter.com/amxG8TWjTL
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 20, 2023
Draymond Green finished the 2023-24 regular season with 8.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 6.8 APG. On paper, Green’s numbers may not jump out, but he does much more for the Warriors than racking up stats.
Green is the defensive anchor for the Warriors. He finished in fourth spot in the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year race despite the Dubs having a lackluster defense throughout the season.
The Warriors Want To Re-Sign Draymond Green
The 33-year-old Warriors veteran can easily find a team to hand him a new contract. But his return to the Warriors is extremely important for the franchise to have a shot at winning another championship.
Keeping that in mind, new Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. wants Green to re-sign with the team. Dunleavy Jr. claimed that the Dubs need Green to compete at the highest level in the NBA.
With that being said, everything points to Green’s return to the Warriors. He could sign a three-year deal worth somewhere around $100 million and help the Dubs win another ring.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
