Golden State Warriors ace Draymond Green recently decided to opt out of a $27.6 million player option. Green was on a 4-year contract with a player option for the 2023-24 season when he would have earned more than $27 million. However, his decision has resulted in Green becoming an unrestricted free agent, although this does not mean he is leaving the Warriors. According to Stephen Smith via First Take, Green completely deserves more than the $100 million that he is currently getting paid, despite the 4-time NBA champion’s involvement in multiple controversies over the past season or two.
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Green’s decision to opt-out is based on his belief that he is worth more than what he is being paid. At the age of 33, the defensively-inclined power forward might never get another chance to guarantee himself a huge payday.
Stephen Smith explains why Draymond Green is worth more than what the Warriors are paying
Green’s statistics do not reveal the sheer value that he has brought to the Warriors in recent years. Along with Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, Green is the most important part of the Warriors’ dynasty.
While Thompson and Curry are two of the best offensive players in the NBA, Draymond Green does a tremendous job on defense for the Warriors. His determination and tenacity make him much more valuable than what his stats suggest. And that is an opinion Stephen A Smith can’t help but clamor about. Take a look at his thoughts in the tweet by First Take below.
.@stephenasmith says Draymond Green is “easily” worth another $100M 👀
“$100-$120M in today’s NBA economy, with KAT signing for $250M and they ain’t win a damn thing? I don’t want to hear that Dryamond Green ain’t worth that money. You’re damn right he’s worth that money.” pic.twitter.com/amxG8TWjTL
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 20, 2023
“Draymond Green is easily worth another $100m…it’s not just about offense, is it? Draymond is one of the elite defensive players in this game….one of the elite basketball minds in this game – the synergy he has with Steph Curry…he doesn’t even have to look where he is throwing the basketball. He just has to throw to spots….Draymond Green deserves a three to four-year extension averaging $27m to $30m,
Smith used the example of Karl Anthony-Towns, who recently signed a supermax extension with the Timberwolves. Definitely, a stray shot fired in the center’s direction. However, to be fair to Smith, one that adds to his argument brilliantly.
Draymond Green is more valuable to the Warriors than what his contract suggests
The past season did not go well for Draymond Green and the Warriors. He averaged just 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists and was hardly as influential for his team as he has been in recent years.
Green’s loaded CV might not include any offensive awards. However, he won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017 and is a 4-time All-Star with a total of 8 All-Defensive team appearances.
Do you think Draymond Green returns to the Warriors? 🤔
(via @MarcJSpears) pic.twitter.com/XRKp8v9XqU
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 19, 2023
Green’s time with the Warriors might be coming to an end. However, he has already cemented his legacy and has been just as valuable as the likes of Thompson and Stephen Curry, for the Golden State Warriors.