The NBA has concluded one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the season. Forward Draymond Green has officially remained with the Golden State Warriors. The 36-year-old veteran signed a new one-year contract with the California club worth $27.7 million. This was reported by Sport RBC.UA citing ESPN insider Shams Charania.
A strategic move that didn't work
The situation surrounding Green's future unfolded according to a scenario that initially seemed like a losing one for the basketball player. His entry into the free agent market was part of a calculated strategy by the Warriors' management. Green consciously declined the option in his previous contract to clear the team's salary cap. The goal was ambitious: to attract superstar LeBron James.
However, the plans collapsed when LeBron chose the offer from the Philadelphia 76ers. Instead of losing a key player, Golden State demonstrated agility. The club quickly re-signed Green for one season. Notably, the financial terms of the new agreement remained the same as if the forward had not become a free agent.
A system player and records
Draymond Green remains one of the team's main system players. In the last regular season, he showed the following averages per game:
- 8.4 points;
- 5.5 rebounds;
- 5.5 assists.
His field goal percentage was 41.8%. The upcoming 2026/27 season will be Green's 15th consecutive with the Warriors. The club drafted him in 2012 with the 35th pick.
Loyalty and dynasty
Such a long tenure with one franchise is the second longest among active NBA players. The only one who has played longer for a single club than Green is his teammate Stephen Curry, for whom the next season will be his 18th with the Warriors.
Draymond Green is a key element of the Warriors' dynasty. With him on the roster, the team won four NBA championship titles: in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. His return to the team guarantees the preservation of the core that has already proven its ability to win at the highest level.
