Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has been with the franchise for his entire career in the NBA. That means for 14 seasons, he’s been associated with the Warriors, and he’s absolutely one of the biggest stars in the franchise.
Now, Green, according to a report from ESPN and NBA insider Shams Charania, is becoming a free agent. At least, for a moment.
On Monday, June 29, Charania took to X to share that Green is “declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade to form a Big 4.”
Draymond Green has more to do with a possible LeBron James trade than leaving
But, don’t worry, Warriors fans who want to see Green stay with the team. According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, this move has more to do with the Warriors wanting to acquire LeBron James than losing Green.
“For weeks, team and league sources indicated that Green would turn down the one-year financial guarantee and the Warriors would work with him on a new contract — lowering his salary for next season — only if it freed up the immediate flexibility for Golden State to secure a significant roster upgrade,” Slater noted.
So, Green declining his player option is part of a plan with the Warriors. It’s not necessarily a move toward leaving. According to this report, the Warriors and Green have reportedly been expected for weeks to negotiate a new contract. Green will likely take a lower salary for 2026–27 if it helps the Warriors add James.