The Warriors refused to trade Klay Thompson this off-season and eventually signed him to an extension in order to maintain the core of the team intact. Draymond Green is another player that the Warriors drafted and cultivated, he’s the glue guy on the squad. He does everything and his play holds this team together. Green defends, rebounds, takes charges and is battling for every loose ball.
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The Warriors need a player like Green to contend for an NBA championship, but with his contract expiring at the end of this season, will this be the last year he plays for the Warriors? Well, it all depends on how much Green demands on the open market. Teams can make offers to Green and the Warriors will have a chance to match.
Jeff Van Gundy commented on the situation during the Warriors-Clippers telecast. He believes Green will receive a contract that will pay him around $10-12 million per year. Matt Steinmetz tweeted out Van Gundy’s comment:
Jeff Van Gundy, on Draymond Green upcoming free agency: “I think he’s going to get $10 to $12 million.”
— Matt Steinmetz (@SteinmetzNBA) November 6, 2014
The Warriors are hoping to re-sign Green this off-season, but if Van Gundy is right, the Warriors might not be able to afford him. Green is a second round pick out of Michigan State and will be looking to get fair compensation. With so many players in need of a player like Green, don’t be surprised if a desperate NBA throws a lot of money at him.
Lakers’ center Jordan Hill signed a 2-year deal worth $18 million this past off-season, which means Green could likely receive something similar. The Warriors will likely have to deal David Lee or Andre Iguodala to clear enough space for Green. Lee seems like the obvious choice, especially if you take his injury track record into consideration.
This is Green’s third season in the NBA and he has been improving every year. If Green is able to develop a consistent jumper, Green will be an impact player for a long time to come. The front office and fan base are crazy about Green and who can blame them, he’s great on and off the court.
Draymond Green is an impact player alright, but this is a result of team chemistry and the splendid shooting of the Splash Brothers. Minus that and Green’s talents will not bear fruit. He is thriving from a scoring spree and winning momentum brought forth by the Warriors’ overall team effort plus the support of the home crowd. So I believe even if other teams offer generous dollar amounts to Green in the off season, he has no choice but to stick with the team that is now developing his overall basketball talents.
Don’t even think about letting Green leave. Do whatever it takes to sign him!
Deal Lee next offseason, start Green at the 4. Discussion over.