Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green is eligible to sign a three-year, $72 million extension this offseason that will kick in during the 2020-21 campaign, according to Chris Haynes of ESPN.com.
But don't expect him to sign it.
Per that report, "According to league sources, Green will turn the extension down when it's offered. That's because if he earns MVP, Defensive Player of the Year or All-NBA Team honors next season, he will be eligible for a super-max contract of five years, $226 million."
As Haynes wrote, Green took a discount on his last contract in 2015 to allow the Warriors the flexibility to chase Kevin Durant in free agency the following summer, signing a five-year, $82 million deal.
"I think my max was $96 million," Green said. "That money is not changing my neighborhood. It's probably $6 million after taxes and fees. It's not changing my neighborhood, but championships can. Championships can change my life. So it's about what's important to you."
As for whether Green will seek to make up that money in his next contract out of a belief the Warriors owe him a max contract, he's maintained he won't approach his next deal from that mindset.
"I don't focus on that because as much as I looked out for the team's success, that still helps me in a sense of winning a championship and building a legacy that lives on forever," he told Haynes. "I don't look at it like it's their turn to do me right. If I continue to play my game, if I continue to do better, they got to do me right, or somebody else will."
"I did what I did because I wanted to win championships, so that's paid off so far," he added. "Everything else will take care of itself when it's time."
At some point, keeping this Warriors dynasty together may become financially impossible. Kevin Durant is a free agent this offseason. Klay Thompson is a free agent next summer, and Green ahead of the 2020-21 season. All three will be offered max deals in free agency if they go that route.
Plus, Steph Curry is already in the midst of a five-year, $201 million contract, per Spotrac.com, while Andre Iguodala is on the books for a total of $33.1 million over the next two years. The bills are starting to add up for Golden State.
Green is undoubtedly a key cog in the team's success, however, serving as one of the NBA's most impactful defensive anchors and the team's emotional leader. While his counting stats aren't elite—11.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG—the Warriors don't need Green to be a dynamic offensive contributor. His defensive versatility and basketball IQ have established him as a vital component of the team's three titles in the past four years.
Without question, a major payday is on the horizon for Green—whether or not it's from Golden State.
The author
No comments: