© Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
As the Warriors eye a third straight championship and fourth in five years, may have wondered how much longer this historic dynasty will continue. More specifically, can the Warriors retain their franchise cornerstones as they approach massive paydays? That question has been rooted in the speculation of Kevin Durant’s impending free agency.
The Warriors face a crucial offseason following these playoffs. Klay Thompson becomes a free agent. Durant will opt out of the final year of his deal. And Draymond Green, who won’t enter free agency until 2020, could sign an extension rather than hold out for a max deal.
Regardless of the contract specifics, Warriors owner Joe Lacob wants to ensure Green doesn’t play anywhere else as long as he plays.
“He’s Draymond Green,” Lacob told The Athletic‘s Marcus Thompson in a recent story. “I wasn’t worried. I want Draymond Green to be here forever. He’s as Warrior as they come.”
Lacob’s comment about “worrying” was related to Green’s statistical drop-off this regular season. Green’s averages across the board were down from one year ago. For the first time in the past four seasons, Green was not named an All-Star in 2018-19.
But Green has elevated his game throughout these playoffs, averaging 12.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists on nearly 52 percent shooting. According to Thompson, “Green has scored double digits in six of the eight playoff games, something he never accomplished in any eight-game stretch this regular season.” Those stats don’t include the defensive impact he makes every night.
Simply put, when Green plays very well, the Warriors rarely lose. Lacob doesn’t want to erase that reality.
Both Thompson and Green could sign near the max. With the way Lacob is talking, however, it would not be surprising if the Warriors signed Green to a lucrative extension after the current season.
