Warriors Gave Draymond Green a Player Option in His Contract for Some Reason
By Sean Facey
The Golden State Warriors locked up a key member of their dynastic team this weekend when they signed Draymond Green to a four-year, $100 million extension.
However, the deal, which kicks in at the end of the 2019-20 season, is unique in that it has a player option. Green will have the ability to opt out of his contract in 2023.
Golden State's Draymond Green has become first Warriors star in dynasty to receive player option on a long-term deal, with ability to opt out of four-year, $100M extension in 2023, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 5, 2019
It's intriguing in that he's the only long-term signing to have such an option. Sure, Green is among the best in the NBA, but he's no Steph Curry or Klay Thompson, both of whom don't have player options.
A vital member of the Warriors' three championship-winning teams, the 29-year-old has been named to five NBA All-Defensive teams in his seven-year career. He's equally efficient on the other side of the ball, posting a career. 43.9% shooting percentage.
It's unclear why Golden State would give him the ability to test free agent waters. In doing so, they run the risk of losing a key component of their team identity, though it does line up with when most of the other players on the team hit the open market.
Warriors now have their four main cogs locked up through...
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) August 3, 2019
-Steph Curry: Summer 2022
-D'Angelo Russell: Summer 2023
-Draymond Green: Summer 2024
-Klay Thompson: Summer 2024
He's one of just five players on the roster that has a deal extending into the 2022-23 season. He'll be 32 that season and could certainly find plenty of suitors if he so desires.
It seems to be a bit of an anomaly on the part of the Warriors. Only time will tell whether Green chooses to take advantage of the option or not.