What was once seen as a long-shot rumor now seems to hold more weight as Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option on Monday.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, this gives the Warriors more flexibility in their pursuit of LeBron James in free agency as well as their pursuit of Anthony Davis via trade.
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While Green is expected to sign a new deal with the Warriors, declining his player option is a signal that the Warriors are planning something big and will need extra salary cap space.
As of publication, the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly have not extended a contract offer to James.
With superstar guard Luka Doncic seemingly the centerpiece of L.A.’s plans moving forward, the door remains open for the Warriors to offer James the full $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
Pursuing a trade for Washington Wizards big Anthony Davis could prove to be more difficult, as he’s set to make $58.4 million in 2026-27 and has a $62.7 million player option for the following season.
If a deal gets done, it will almost certainly have to include Warriors wing Jimmy Butler. He’s set to bring in $56.8 million next season and is four months removed from ACL surgery.
With Green, Davis and James all under the same agency in Klutch Sports, the Warriors may just be able to pull off two of the biggest offseason moves of the summer.
James has a storied history with the Warriors as he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to four straight NBA Finals battles against Stephen Curry and company.
Golden State may have to sacrifice a few key pieces and some draft capital, but a James-Davis reunion on the Warriors is suddenly looking like a serious possibility.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
