Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
December 25, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. USA TODAY Sports / Kyle Terada

Weeks after Draymond Green won his fourth championship with the Golden State Warriors, there are rumors that the forward could explore opportunities outside of the Bay Area next year. Green can opt-out of his contract after the 2022-23 season, and the two sides don’t seem close to reaching a new agreement.

Green will soon become eligible to sign a max contract extension worth $138.4 million over four years, which he believes he deserves, according to The Athletic. The Warriors don’t plan to give Green a max deal, and the veteran is thought to be willing to seek his asking price elsewhere, The Athletic reports.

Green is owed $25.8 million next season. His 2023-2024 player option comes with a $27.5 million salary.

Despite the questions about Green’s future, the Warriors are the clear frontrunners to sign the four-time All-Star to his next contract. Green remains an important part of Golden State’s core, having been with the team for all six of its trips to the NBA Finals since 2015. Stephen Curry wouldn’t be happy if the Warriors failed to re-sign Green because of money, according to The Athletic.

Before an injury cost him nearly half the season, Green was among the favorites to be named the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. Green won the award in 2017 and was the runner-up in 2015 and 2016.

In 46 games last season, Green averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. The 32-year-old had a few dreadful performances in the NBA Finals, but he finished strongly with 12 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in the clincher against the Boston Celtics. Green averaged 6.2 points on 33.3% from the field in the six-game series.

The Warriors’ impending luxury tax bill looms over future negotiations with Green. Golden State paid $362 million in payroll and luxury tax bills on the way to winning last season’s title. With Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins set to seek new lucrative contracts, the Warriors will have difficult financial decisions to make.

Because of his chemistry with Curry and the role he plays on the Warriors, Green is more valuable to Golden State than any other team. Green likely will be hard-pressed to find a max contract in free agency.

Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

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