Draymond Green created financial flexibility for the Warriors to chase LeBron James. Now that James is headed to Philadelphia, Green must decide whether Golden State still represents his best option.
NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor laid out the dilemma after James agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers.
“Draymond Green has a big decision to make next,” O’Connor wrote on X.
Green can return to Golden State, collect another substantial salary and remain beside Stephen Curry. He would also be rejoining an organization that reportedly explored trading him only five months ago and could revisit that possibility as Curry’s championship window narrows.
The alternative would be testing a market that may offer less money but greater control over where he finishes his career.
O’Connor floated several possibilities, including following James to Philadelphia on a minimum contract or becoming part of a sign-and-trade. Green’s defense, passing and postseason experience would still appeal to contenders despite his age and limited scoring.
The most likely outcome, however, remains a Warriors reunion.
The Athletic reported that Golden State is expected to re-sign Green for nearly $28 million, roughly matching the player option he declined. Green reportedly opted out at the last minute to maximize the Warriors’ flexibility in their pursuit of James and a possible Anthony Davis trade.
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Kevin O’Connor says Draymond Green faces a major choice: stay loyal to Stephen Curry or test the market after the Warriors’ LeBron miss.
Neither move happened.
Returning would allow Green to continue a partnership with Curry that has produced four championships. He has spent his entire career with Golden State and remains the team’s defensive organizer and emotional center.
But loyalty now comes with uncertainty.
The Warriors have already demonstrated that sentiment will not prevent them from discussing a Green trade if they believe it improves the roster. After missing on James, they may again explore major moves involving Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant or other available stars.
Green is expected to stay, but O’Connor’s question remains relevant: Does he take the money and continue beside Curry, knowing he could be moved later, or choose his next team before the Warriors choose it for him?
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