Warriors predicted to part ways with $227M four-time NBA champion, four-time All-star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Golden State Warriors have had a disappointing summer, to say the least, after missing out on LeBron James despite being viewed as one of the favorites to land him early in free agency. Golden State has not built the roster it envisioned entering the offseason.
The Warriors did make several signings during free agency, but most came on smaller contracts. The biggest deal they handed out was to Draymond Green, who initially opted out of his contract to give Golden State the flexibility to pursue a high-caliber player.
“Draymond Green has agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors on a one-year, $27.7 million deal, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. The contract is the same Green opted out of to give the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James, but the sides land his return Tuesday,” ESPN Shams Charania wrote.
However, the Warriors have primarily brought back players who were already familiar with the organization, either from last season or recent years.
“The Warriors are officially running it back despite missing the playoffs last season. Golden State re-signed Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II this summer,” NBA writer Jake Weinbach posted.
Change could be coming to Golden State in the next few years, with Steph Curry and Green both approaching the latter stages of their careers. The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson believes the Warriors could eventually trade Green or allow him to leave in free agency next summer.
“It’s probably six months left for the Draymond Green era,” Thompson said. “He’s on a one-year deal, $27.8 million, and doesn’t have a no-trade clause, so that’s a very tradable contract. It felt like this has been coming for a while, but this, the way (Warriors GM) Dunleavy was talking, and the way they positioned it, this feels like 'Alright, let's see where we are in February because if we're not where we need to be, then we're just going to start selling pieces off and starting over.”
While the Warriors have struggled to remain competitive over the last couple of seasons, trading Green would officially mark the end of an era for Golden State. Green has been a key part of the Warriors' dynasty, helping the franchise win four NBA championships during his tenure.
Green has earned $277 million throughout his career with the Warriors. Eventually, the two sides will have to part ways, and according to Thompson, that could happen as soon as this season if Golden State is unable to turn things around.
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