The 36-year-old forward walked away from $27.7 million so the Warriors can make bigger moves this summer.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green made one of the most talked-about moves of the NBA offseason on Monday when he turned down his $27.7 million player option for the 2026-27 season to become an unrestricted free agent.
The decision came just a day before the free agency window opened and only a week after GM Mike Dunleavy said the team expected Green to opt in, but for Green, the choice was about something bigger than one season's paycheck.
Green Breaks Down the Decision
Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the four-time champion explained that his deep bond with the organization was at the center of the move.
"As you all know, I've always taken the approach of working with the organization," Green said. "I've been in one place for 14 years. It's more of a family to me than anything."
Green, who averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists across 68 games this past season, went on to say that he sees taking a lower number as a way to help the team get better.
"Bringing my number down has allowed us to explore a little bit more, to help the books a little bit more," Green said. "I am always intrigued by that route. I feel great about it and we'll see where it goes from here."
What This Opens Up for Golden State
Green's decision to decline does not mean he is leaving Golden State, as reports indicate he will re-sign at a lower annual salary on a longer deal that gives the team more room on the books.
The Warriors finished 37-45 this past season and were bounced from the play-in tournament by the Suns, so the front office has been vocal about wanting to reshape the roster around Stephen Curry, who put up 26.6 points and 4.7 assists per game in 43 games.
By lowering Green's salary, the Warriors move closer to unlocking the non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth roughly $15 million.
The team has already locked in Kristaps Porzingis on a two-year, $40 million deal and used the 11th pick in the draft on Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, but the biggest dominoes have yet to fall.
Reports have linked the Warriors to both LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade from Washington, with Green's willingness to take less money being a major piece of making it all work.
What Comes Next for Green
If Green re-signs at a lower number as expected, the deal would likely be a multi-year contract that gives him long-term stability while freeing up money for the Warriors to spend elsewhere.
At 36 years old with 14 seasons in the Bay Area, Green has already said he cannot picture himself playing for another team, and the organization seems to feel the same way.
Whether the Warriors land James, Davis or neither, Green's move is the strongest sign yet that Golden State is going all in on one last championship push around Curry.
