The four-time NBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green, reportedly won’t be exercising his player option for the 2023-2024 season. By that, he will be declining the remaining $27.5 Million in his contract. With this decision, Green will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, making him one of the biggest names in the free agency market. Obviously, fans are going to wonder where Draymond Green is going to play for next season. But, what’s really the future for Green and the Warriors?
Golden State Warriors four-time NBA champion Draymond Green is declining his $27.5 million player option for 2023-24 season and will enter unrestricted free agency, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 19, 2023
Draymond should play for the _______ next season 🤔 pic.twitter.com/zS0Tixnoii
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 19, 2023
Playing alongside LeBron James in Los Angeles seems like a high possibility for Draymond Green’s future
As an unrestricted free agent this year, Draymond Green can choose where he can play next season. For quite some time now, one team that has been in talks for his next destination is no other than the Los Angeles Lakers. Even before the news broke out that he is declining his player option, Green has been linked multiple times to LeBron James and the Lakers. Rumor has it that Green always wants to play with LBJ, mainly because of their friendship which everybody already knows. Both star players have high praises for each other, suggesting that they indeed want to play on the same team. Last month, a LeBron to Golden State Warriors came up, but that was just mere speculation.
It's time. pic.twitter.com/KGvySgaDTc
— Daily Grind Fantasy Sports (@DGFantasy) June 20, 2023
But, just this Sunday, Green and James were spotted hanging out in France. As we all remember, LeBron or LeGM is akin to recruiting players. Well, if King James is really tampering, then Draymond really isn’t the first one so far. However, the L.A. Lakers could be a great fit for Green’s skills. The 33-year-old forward is one of the smartest players in the league. He isn’t averaging huge numbers, but his impact is immeasurable. As one of the reasons for the Warriors dynasty, the Lakers could use him to complete their championship contention next season.
A possible team-up of Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Damian Lillard in Miami sounds awesome
This is just a rumor, but Draymond Green could also possibly play for the overachieving Miami Heat. They just fell short in the 2023 NBA Finals, and that could say they have to run it back in the 2023-2024 season. But, they have to make some changes to the roster. With Damian Lillard still the top priority for the Miami Heat, Green can still sign with them in the free agency.
Heat insiders say to keep an eye on Draymond Green going to Miami: https://t.co/mUJVYeGLzA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2023
The Heat’s small ball play is a great fit for Green. Plus, he’s got the attitude to match with Jimmy Butler and could even complement the players around him. Miami is filled with undrafted players right now like Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin, Max Strus, and Duncan Robinson who played very well in the 2023 playoffs. With the addition of Draymond Green to the lineup, it would be exciting how effective this new Miami Heat team would look with another All-Defensive star.
The Phoenix Suns could use Draymond Green as the team’s playmaker and defensive anchor
After Bradley Beal was dealt to the Phoenix Suns and formed a big three with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, this could be the perfect opportunity for Draymond Green. On the other hand, Green is arguably the best player they need right now. KD, Beal, and Booker now form a very lethal offensive firepower that can get a total of 80 points on any given night. But, the biggest question here is the team’s depth, bench talents, as well as who’s going to run point guard for the whole season.
The Phoenix Suns have a new Big 3 of Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker 👀
Are they the favorites to come out of the West? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/BIPlS2zwPV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 18, 2023
Well, taking Draymond Green would supply all of their demands. Green is a four-time All-Star and eight-time All-Defensive team member making him on helluva player. With the three heavy scorers out on the court, Draymond doesn’t need to score as much anymore. What he can do is make plays for his teammates and become the defensive anchor.
Golden State Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr they “really want Draymond Green back
Although he has made a decision to decline his player option, the Golden State Warriors can still make a run for Draymond Green. Green’s agent, Rich Paul (CEO of Klutch Sports), is still negotiating with the Golden State Warriors.
“We will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options,” Rich Paul told ESPN.
"To win at the highest level, we feel we have to have [Draymond]."
Mike Dunleavy Jr. says re-signing Draymond Green is the Warriors' top priority this offseason 👀
(via @NBCSWarriors)pic.twitter.com/R0PbzGlb61
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 19, 2023
By declining the $27.5 Million pay, it’s obvious that Draymond Green wants a max extension. If Golden State really does want him back, can they make an offer to retain the former Defensive Player of the Year?
Where do you see Draymond Green playing next season? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
