The Golden State Warriors are facing a number of pressing roster questions heading into the offseason.
One of them involves the future of Draymond Green. The franchise’s ultimate “glue guy” during its dynastic run, has a $27.5 million player option for 2023-24. If he declines it, he’ll be come an unrestricted free agent.
There is a financial side to consider here, but from a basketball standpoint, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made it clear he wants Green back next year.
“If Draymond’s not back, we’re not a championship contender. We know that. He’s that important to winning, to who we are. I absolutely want him back,” Kerr said Tuesday, via the official 95.7 The Game Twitter account.
Steve Kerr hopes Draymond returns next season:
“If Draymond’s not back, we’re not a championship contender. We know that. He’s that important to winning, to who we are. I absolutely want him back.”
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 16, 2023
This season, Green started 73 games, his most appearances since 2016-17. The 32-year-old forward averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists per outing while shooting 52.5% from the field.
He kept those averages up in 12 playoff games–9.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game–but his shooting percentage dipped to 46.2%.
The Warriors lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the second round after eliminating the Sacramento Kings in seven games in the first.