Draymond Green has served as a key contributor to the Warriors’ four NBA championships since 2015.
However, after Golden State’s series-ending loss to the Lakers in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals Thursday, Green’s future and what the Warriors roster could look like going forward immediately became hot topics. Green’s contract includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to test free agency this summer.
While Green could decide to test the market, Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters Tuesday that it was imperative for Golden State to retain the four-time All-Star to keep building on the success of the franchise.
“If Draymond’s not back, we’re not a championship contender,” Kerr said. “We know that. He’s that important to winning, to who we are. I absolutely want him back.”
Kerr’s firm statement comes days after several days after Green addressed the opt-out clause but definitively shared his desire to remain a part of the Warriors’ organization.
“I’ve told you guys for years, I want to be a Warrior for the rest of my life. I wanna ride out with the same dudes I rode in with,” Green said after the Warriors’ Game 6 loss. “And I think we’ve put the work in to make that happen, and here we are with our worst season as a whole since 2014, and yet, we had a chance to make another run. It’s never as bad as it seems. It’s never as good as it seems.”
If the 33-year-old opts into the last year of his current contract, Green will earn $27.5 million in the 2023-24 season. He then would become a free agent. With Green stating he wants to remain in Golden State, he seems to be saying the Warriors’ tenure as one of the league’s best teams is not over.
