Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors are likely to agree to a new multi-year contract this offseason, despite declining a $27.5 (£21.6m) million player option.
Green, 33, is entering unrestricted free agency for the first time ahead of Year 12 in the league. The four-time NBA champion has spent over a decade in the Bay after being drafted by the Warriors in 2012.
There have been hints this offseason about the veteran joining up with LeBron James at the Los Angeles Lakers, but such a move does not seem financially feasible. Conversely, Golden State has moved to free up future cap space by trading Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards for Chris Paul.
Now, despite the loss of long-time president of basketball operations and general manager Bob Myers, Green seems set to stay put. That stance is not because of a lack of league-wide interest either.
The Athletic reports that Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard sees Green as part of a 'dream scenario' at the organization that would convince their franchise player to stick around. Making a free agency splash by convincing the long-time Warrior to become a Blazer is said to be in addition to re-signing Jerami Grant.
Portland general manager Joe Cronin has his work cut out crunching the numbers on that move. No such concerns exist for the Sacramento Kings, who have a Green shaped hole in their salary cap space.
The Kings also employ former Golden State assistant coach Mike Brown. Former Warriors minority owner Vivek Ranadive also owns them.
However, it seems Steve Kerr will get his wish, and Green will commit his long-term future to the only franchise he has ever known. As Marc Stein, amongst others, reported over the weekend, the suggestions are a multi-year deal to retain their emotional leader will be the eventual outcome.
Green has always insisted his preference was to stay in the Bay. "What I can tell you is I want to be here," he reaffirmed after the Warriors' postseason exit at the hands of the Lakers.
"I've been here 11 years, and you just don't throw that away, and, quite frankly, I think we still have more championships that we can and will win.
"So, understanding all that, I want to be here, but I also understand that this is a business, and I know the business side of it and the penalties that lie ahead with the new CBA (collective bargaining agreement). I know all those things; I think winning is worth it, and I know we will still win."
Kerr put it more simply. "Look, if Draymond is not back, we're not a championship contender. We know that.
"He's that important to winning and to who we are. I absolutely want him back." It seems that Kerr will get what he wants.
