For the first time in his career, Draymond Green will become an unrestricted free agent after he declined his player option for the 2023-2024 season on Monday.
As he hopes to get a long-term contract, the 33-year-old power forward reposted an ESPN Instagram graphic that highlighted Stephen A. Smith’s words that Green is “easily worth another $100m.”
Michigan State teammate and video coordinator Austin Thornton commented on the original post by saying, “with an emphasis on EASILY” before Green appeared to co-sign.
Green reposted the graphic to his Instagram story, accompanied by two praising emojis and one finger-crossed emoji.
This is the first time Green’s spot on the Warriors is in question since he was selected No. 35 overall in the 2012 NBA draft.
Despite this call for a big contract, the Warriors are expected to retain Green for his 12th season in the Bay, which the team should have the flexibility to do after trading Jordan Poole this week, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski added similar reporting when he talked with “SportsCenter” host Scott Van Pelt on Monday night.
“These are two sides who very much want to get a deal done,” said Woj. “Draymond and [Klutch Sports agent] Rich Paul, they’re not really posturing here, threatening that they’re going to go somewhere else.”
Green was a restricted free agent in 2015 before signing a 5-year deal worth $82 million with the Warriors.
He later inked a $100 million four-year extension in 2019.
Eleven years into his career, the four-time champion is destined to explore his options, but he has made it clear that he intends to be a Warrior for life.
“I think Draymond agrees with the idea of continuing with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and [head coach] Steve Kerr,” Wojnarowski said. “I think it means the world to him. It’s just a matter of negotiation — is it a four-year deal? Is it a three-year deal?
“These sides are destined to reunite.”
The Warriors’ new general manager, Mike Dunleavy Jr., said it was “very important” for the team to keep Green in the Golden State.
“I think Steve has said it, and I’ll reiterate: We really want Draymond back,” Dunleavy said Monday.
“What he means to this organization, this team, in terms of trying to win at the highest level, we feel like we have to have him.”