The Golden State Warriors saw their 2022-23 campaign officially end on Friday. After losing disappointingly to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinal series, the focus has shifted to what’s next for the reigning NBA champions.
Draymond Green, who has to decide on his $27.6 million player option for 2023-24, is the top question the Warriors face. According to The Athletic, both sides intend to discuss a new multi-year contract during the offseason.
“We’ll see what happens as far as my contract goes,” Green said. “Obviously, I have an opt-out, everybody knows about that. I know about that. I’m aware of that. But, you know, as I’ve told you guys for years, I wanna be a Warrior for the rest of my life.”
Green and the Warriors have a few options regarding facilitating a new contract. Green can either opt-in and agree to a contract extension with the first-year salary kicking in during the 2024-25 campaign, or he could opt out and sign a new contract that starts immediately.
“It’s why the Warriors intend to discuss a new multi-year contract with Green, either via an opt in and extend or an entirely new deal after an opt out, sources briefed on the matter tell The Athletic,” Charania wrote.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green & Golden State Warriors Updates
Given how expensive the Warriors’ luxury tax bill has become, there has been constant speculation about what cost-cutting measures could be taken. The NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement will phase in new restrictions for taxpaying teams over the next few seasons, making it more difficult for the Warriors to carry a large payroll indefinitely.
“We’re not done yet,” Green said. “We’ll be back next year.”
Green’s desire to remain with the Warriors doesn’t reduce his leverage. While there is intent on getting a new deal done to remain in Golden State, numerous playoff-contending teams will jump at the chance to pursue Green if he was to enter free agency.
“Green has leverage: He is expected to have multiple playoff-contending teams in pursuit if he enters the open market, sources added,” Charania wrote. “But both Green and the Warriors appear intent on discussing an extension to their partnership, if the price is right.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green & Golden State Warriors Updates
The Warriors must balance getting a new deal done with Green and Klay Thompson becoming contract extension eligible in the summer. Taking a pay cut to secure a longer-term deal and more guaranteed money will be expected if Thompson signs an extension with the Warriors this offseason, per The Athletic. He will earn $43.2 million in 2023-24 — marking the final year of his current contract.
“Draymond. Klay. Steph. Our core guys, they have plenty left to offer,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “It’s not like this is the end of the road. The organization has some decisions to make. We’ll eventually get to that point.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green & Golden State Warriors Updates
A comparison for Thompson’s next deal could be Andrew Wiggins’ four-year extension worth $109 million for an average of $27.3 million per season despite earning $33.6 million in the final year of his previous contract. Although Thompson’s new contract could be worth more than Wiggins’ new deal, he would undoubtedly earn a reduced salary. Green’s next contract may also follow the same logic.
Grant Afseth is an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network and a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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