The NBA offseason is in full swing with the draft fast approaching. That means plenty of moving parts will, well, move in the next few days — Bradley Beal is already off to Phoenix, Zion Williamson is likely leaving New Orleans and Draymond Green just opted out of his contract with the Golden State Warriors. So what’s next for him? Let’s look at the Draymond Green next team odds.
The NBA offseason may have arrived, but market-based model!
Draymond Green Contract & Next Team Odds: Who Will He Play for Next?
Golden State Expected to Retain Draymond Green
Although Draymond Green opted out of his $27.6 million player option with the Golden State Warriors, it’s unlikely that he’ll head elsewhere. The betting odds at DraftKings Sportsbook have Green at +150 (40%) to play his next regular-season minute with the team that drafted him in 2012.
Green is now an unrestricted free agent (UFA), which means he could sign with any team. Rich Paul, his agent, told the media that he is continuing to talk with Golden State but is exploring all options. Both Green and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr have made their desire to keep working together clear.
“I want to be a Warrior for the rest of my life,” Green told reporters after Golden State’s playoff elimination, adding that he wanted to “out with the same dudes I rode in with.” In a May 13 radio interview, Kerr expressed his confidence in Green. “If Draymond’s not back, we’re not a championship contender,” he said.
Draymond Green is reportedly seeking a three-year contract extension, which lines up with the number of years remaining on the Stephen Curry contract. The other member of Golden State’s core, Klay Thompson, is set to become an unrestricted free agent after next season.
Would Sacramento be a Good Fit for Draymond Green?
If Green heads elsewhere, he could help out the Sacramento Kings substantially. The Kings have a solid core with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading the way, but they lack a true defensive anchor. Veteran Harrison Barnes often found himself asked to play that role, but he is now an unrestricted free agent. Adding Green would be a controversial move after Green infamously stomped on Sabonis in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs, but it might just work out.
Green could work as either a four with Sabonis on the floor or a small-ball five with him off it. The move would give the Kings a straight upgrade over Barnes, who has the size to work as a big wing but lacks the strength to play the five and isn’t as switchable. A Fox-Malik Monk–Keegan Murray-Green-Sabonis lineup might have just the right combination of offensive firepower and defensive intensity to get the Kings over the hump.
The Kings should have plenty of money to spend. They have no players under contract for more than $20 million other than Fox and Sabonis for next year. Kevin Huerter and Richaun Holmes, who both stand to make $10 million or more, could easily get dealt for more cap relief should the Kings need it. They slot in at +2500 (3.9%) to land Green at DraftKings.
Those concerned about Green’s age or his ability to contribute next year should simply look at his numbers from this season. Green recorded an elite defensive RAPTOR rating of +3.5 for the full campaign, including a +3.9 for the playoffs. He averaged 8.5 points. 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game with a true shooting percentage of 57%, beating Barnes in the latter three metrics.
