Perhaps not coincidentally, Draymond Green announced he would be opting out of his $27.6 million player option on the same day that Mike Dunleavy Jr. had his introductory press conference as the Golden State Warriors’ new general manager.
Dunleavy Jr. was going to have to field questions about Green regardless, but in light of the news, Dunleavy Jr. indicated strongly that the Warriors will do everything they can to retain Green this offseason.
“We really want Draymond back,” Dunleavy said. “What he means in terms of this organization and this team, winning at the highest level, we feel like we have to have him.”
It stands to reason that Green’s decision to opt out was impacted in part because Green and his representation believe their are teams on the open market willing to make either a similar short term offer or long-term deal. It is believed that Green also wants to remain in Golden State, even with confidant Bob Myers no longer with the organization.
Green had another solid season as an offensive playmaker and defensive stalwart for the Warriors, but his position as a leader was called into question after video surfaced of him punching Jordan Poole during training camp. Head coach Steve Kerr called the incident the biggest crisis the team has faced during his tenure, and an incident the team never recovered from.
Interestingly, Dunleavy Jr. says he wants Poole to return as well and play out his contract.
“We plan on having [Poole] four more years at least,” Dunleavy said.