Draymond Green is currently a free agent after he opted out of his player option worth more than $28 million with the Golden State Warriors. The belief was that he would always end up with the Warriors no matter what, and he only opted out to try and lure LeBron James to the Bay Area. Now, LeBron has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, so what happens with Draymond? Will he return to Golden State on a one-year $28 million contract, or could he take a vet minimum deal in Philly and finally play with LeBron?
Green is still a high-level defender in his own right. He’s an intelligent player and is still able to do the things that made him such a valuable piece to the Warriors dynasty. With that being said, he is now 36 years old and will be 37 by the time the playoffs are here.
Any potential falloff or regression should not cause the 76ers to not make a move if this is a viable option. If Draymond wants to team up with LeBron in Philadelphia, they have to get it done.
Green averaged 8.4/5.5/5.5 in Golden State last season in 68 games.
The LeBron addition is the move that made the 76ers starting lineup a perfect fit. He can be the facilitator and control the pace of the offense. When he needs a breather or wants to take a possession off, he is able to do that with Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid to shoulder the weight of the offense.
Draymond’s impact comes deeper than what he is still able to produce on the basketball court. Him and LeBron will be able to inject a championship mindset into the Sixers stars who haven’t experienced that yet.
Green would come off the bench in Philadelphia, something he hasn’t done since his second year in the NBA. He would likely serve as the backup center, slotting into the starting five when Embiid is out with an injury.
That’s another very important factor for the 76ers. The backup centers on the roster are currently Ariel Hukporti and Adem Bona. Two very inexperienced and unproven big men. Adding Green to that group would give stability at the position for when Embiid isn’t in the lineup.
Draymond signing in Philadelphia would continue an insane ripple effect in the NBA all caused by one tiny decision made by the Boston Celtics.
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