Draymond Green opted out of the final year of his $26 million contract with the Golden State Warriors this week. Most believe he'll wind up back with the franchise but many are debating just how much the 33-year-old is worth at this point in his career. Well, he has the answer for you.
Green took to Instagram on Friday and shared a post that quoted Stephen A. Smith claiming the four-time NBA champion was "easily worth another $100 million." Former Michigan State player Austin Thornton captioned that post "With an emphasis on easily" and tagged Green, who then shared it.
So, is Green worth another $100 million at this point? If Golden State gave him that money the franchise wouldn't be paying for production. During the 2022-23 season, Green averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 31.5 minutes per game. He shot 52.7 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from 3-point range. He had a nice season but he's not the same guy he was from 2014 through 2018.
Despite diminishing numbers, Green is still a heart and soul player and it would be incredibly painful for the franchise to see him playing for another team.
That said, the Warriors also have a number of big contracts already on the books. Next season Stephen Curry will make $51.9 million, Klay Thompson is due $43.2 million, the newly-acquired Chris Paul is set to take in $30.8 million and Andrew Wiggins is owed $24.3 million. On top of that, Gary Payton II ($8.7 million), Kevon Looney ($7.5 million), Jonathan Kuminga ($6 million) and Moses Moody ($3.9 million) are also on the books. Without Green signed, the Warriors are already $16 million over the luxury tax threshold. Giving him a four-year, $100 million deal would blow them past that.
I think Green winds up back with the Warriors, but the cost may not be what he wants it to be.
This article was originally published on thebiglead as Draymond Green Believes He's 'Easily' Worth a $100 Million Contract.
