The Golden State Warriors had a challenging decision in the off-season that involved keeping their core intact. Draymond Green, a key piece for the Dubs’ championship run, was on an expiring contract. He had opted out of his $27.6 million deal to become a free agent. With a lot of ambiguity surrounding his future, he had everyone guessing for the past couple of days. However, as fate had it, the four-time champion re-signed with the Warriors, leaving Skip Bayless rattled.
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Draymond accepted a four-year, $100 million contract from Golden State, including a player option after the fourth year. With news of him wanting to match Steph Curry’s timeline floating around, the new contract seems to have served the purpose. This almost guarantees the players spending the remainder of their careers as teammates.
Skip Bayless reacts to Draymond Green’s contract
The Golden State Warriors’ core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have been together for 11 years. The relationship and the bonds they have developed over four championships cannot be put into words. With Draymond’s contract expiring, Steph Curry certainly felt some kind of way about Green potentially leaving the franchise. The contract, however, was not appreciated by FS1 analyst Skip Bayless, who believes Draymond Green has become more trouble than he is worth. Here is what he tweeted out.
The Warriors just can’t cut the cord and go onward and upward without Draymond Green, who has become more trouble than he’s worth. His greatest strength is now podcasting.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 30, 2023
“The Warriors just can’t cut the cord and go onward and upward without Draymond Green, who has become more trouble than he’s worth. His greatest strength is now podcasting.”
Green has been a part of many altercations in his career and has been reprimanded multiple times for his behavior. With the latest incident involving Jordan Poole, there were legitimate questions on his value justifying his actions. As an NBA analyst, Skip may have a reasonable point. But as an organization, there seems to be a strong belief in the player instead.
Draymond Green’s contract helps the Warriors
Golden State Warriors are the highest-spending team in the NBA when it comes to players’ salaries. With the revised CBA rules, the organization faces a hefty tax bill. Keeping the variables in mind, Green’s contract has come as a boon for the franchise, serving a dual purpose. Take a look at the tweet by Anthony Slater below.
The first-year salary on Draymond Green’s new four-year extension: $22.3 million, per source. That was a negotiation key for the Warriors. His declined player option was for $27.6 million. This slices that projected repeater tax bill by somewhere around $40+ million.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 30, 2023
“The first-year salary on Draymond Green’s new four-year extension: $22.3 million, per source. That was a negotiation key for the Warriors. His declined player option was for $27.6 million. This slices that projected repeater tax bill by somewhere around $40+ million.”
With Draymond declining a player option of $27.6 million and accepting a first-year salary amounting to $22.3 million, the Warriors have managed to save themselves more than $40 million in tax penalties. This also gives the dubs more flexibility on their remaining roster spots, which they can fill using veteran minimum contracts. The contract has helped both parties get what they want and can be considered a win-win.
