The expectation is that Draymond Green will return to the Warriors after exercising his player option. But there's still time for a surprise team to swoop in and steal him.
After declining his $27.6 million player option with the Golden State Warriors, four-time NBA champion, Draymond Green, looks to test the free agency market this summer.
Draymond's fiery, emotional play has solidified him as one of the pillars of the Golden State Warriors dynasty. Last season, Draymond earned All-Defensive second-team honors, which was the eighth time in his career he's been selected to either First or Second All-Defensive teams.
Needless to say, the Warriors know how valuable Draymond Green is. However, they aren't alone in thinking that. As free agency approaches, three other teams are interested in Draymond Green. Here are three landing spots for Green you never thought of:
Wild-card landing spots for Draymond Green: 3. San Antonio Spurs
Draymond would play in San Antonio for three reasons: Popovich, Wembanyama, and the opportunity to build something special. Plus, a secret fourth reason… money. He'd go for the money. It's a business after all, and the Spurs are a young roster with spending power. According to Spotrac, they have $37.4 million in projected cap space. Let's keep in mind that Draymond recently reposted this ESPN Instagram graphic.
At 33, Green's time for a payday is now and he's clearly all for it. After a career of taking a very comfortable backseat to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson's contracts, a change of scenery makes a lot of sense for Green. (Get yours Draymond). As far as coaching goes, it's admittedly hard to get better than Steve Kerr, but Popovich certainly has a competing resume. Unlike the Warriors, the Spurs lack a championship roster. But, could Draymond's addition be the deciding factor?
Wild-card landing spots for Draymond Green: 2. Utah Jazz
In light of Jordan Clarkson picking up his player option, The Jazz would have to make some moves financially to make this happen. Per NBA Insider, Keith Smith, the Jazz are projected to end up with around $14.1 million in cap space after Clarkson opted in. That, in addition to their recent John Collins pick-up, might make it hard for them to wow Draymond Green.
Though, if you're the Jazz, Draymond's contributions would be welcomed. He not only provides a front court presence, but his skills complement the Jazz's existing core. This young, rebuilding team could really benefit from Draymond's mentorship. He's a culture-changer that could bring some identity and personality to a Jazz team that so desperately needs it.
Wild-card landing spots for Draymond Green: 1. Indiana Pacers
Now we're getting crazy, but, Draymond Green could be the answer to the Indiana Pacer's defensive woes. Even though it sounds impossible, here's what it would take to have this happen:
First, Draymond would have to decline his $27.6 million player option. Go ahead, check that off the list, because that's already done. Next, Dray would have to enjoy playing beside an all-star point guard. One with incredible shooting talent and vision. Tyrese Haliburton? You heard of him? Once again, good to go there.
Forget about the small market and big market jargon for just a second. Through a strict basketball lens, this move really does work. Last season, The Pacers gave up 119.5 points per game to opponents, the second most in the NBA. As a free agent, Green has everything this young Pacers team lacks. He's a proven defensive expert and a veteran leader. Prying Green away from Golden State isn't going to be easy, but at the end of the day, money talks and Draymond Green's camp listens. Not to mention, Indiana has the cap space to get Green's attention.
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