Draymond Green on free agency: 'I want to enjoy this'
Draymond Green has, to date, earned only $2.6 million over his 3-year NBA career. So don't blame the Saginaw, Mich. native for savoring the free agency process.
In an interview with Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports, Green opened up about an experience he called "surreal."
"I'm not going in there with no expectations for this or expectations for that," Green said. "That would take away the enjoyment. And that's what I want, I want to enjoy this."
"When (agent B.J. Armstrong) talks I just start laughing at him," Green said. "To hear my name mentioned like that, to hear that type of stuff, it brings me back to moments like when I grew up in Saginaw, Michigan where my mom made about $14,000-$15,000 per year. It's surreal. It's like a joke and I can't believe it."
Green is a restricted free agent of the Golden State Warriors, and all signs point to a reunion. Green was the heart and soul of the versatile, shapeshifting force that propelled the Warriors to 67 regular-season wins and the Larry O'Brien trophy.
"(The Warriors) said they wanted to keep me, but we will see what happens," Green said. "I don't know. I am not getting no pressure. There are no reports (of management) flying around right now (to see me). There is really no need to feel pressure."
The Warriors, however, are not the only suitor for Green's skills. The hometown Detroit Pistons are also in the hunt, along with the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets, reports Spears. Being a stretch four capable of making plays off the dribble and defending every position, Green makes is an obvious target for a maximum deal.
Ultimately, the ball is in Golden State's court. They can match any offer Green signs.
But the Warriors' roster is quickly becoming one of the league's priciest. Signing Green could bump the team's payroll close to $100 million this summer, although that could be reduced by finding a taker for David Lee's salary.
The 25-year-old Green averaged 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 31.5 minutes per game for the Warriors, who were 15.5 points per 100 possessions improved with Green on the court.