Following the news that Warriors forward Draymond Green had declined his $27.6 million player option earlier this week, Stephen A. Smith stated on ESPN’s First Take that the Warriors needed to keep the unrestricted free agent forward, no matter the cost.
“$100 to $120 million in today’s NBA economy, with KAT signing for $250M and they ain’t win a damn thing?” Smith exclaimed. “I don’t want to hear that Draymond Green ain’t worth that money. You’re damn right he’s worth that money.”
On Friday, the four-time NBA champion re-shared an NBAonESPN Instagram post that summed up Smith’s comments on his own Instagram story, adding praying and fingers-crossed emojis to seemingly make clear that he agreed with the First Take host’s assessment.
Draymond Green’s Instagram story: pic.twitter.com/SEiOYu52nW
— De🅿️ressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) June 23, 2023
The 11-year NBA veteran Green shot career-best 52.7% from the field this past season while averaging 8.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. Smith also pointed out, that its not just Green’s impact on Golden State’s offense that warrants the lucrative contract, but also his All-NBA defense and basketball IQ.
“It’s not just about offense. Draymond Green is one of the elite defensive players in this game, one of the elite basketball minds in this game and thanks to his synergy with Stephen Curry, he doesn't even have to look where he is throwing the basketball, he just has to throw to spots,” Smith added.
.@stephenasmith says Draymond Green is "easily" worth another $100M 👀
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 20, 2023
"$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
