Keeping the Golden State Warriors' core together could get complicated.
Draymond Green wants and believes he deserves a max contract extension, sources told The Athletic's Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II.
The four-time All-Star is under contract for two more seasons but can enter free agency next summer if he declines his $27.5-million player option for 2023-24.
Golden State can offer Green a four-year, $138.4-million max extension beginning on Aug. 3. He would need to opt out of the final year of his current contract to sign the new deal.
While Green prefers to remain in the Bay Area, he's apparently willing to explore options elsewhere to get his desired contract.
The 32-year-old seems to have the support of longtime teammate Stephen Curry, who reportedly would be displeased if the Warriors chose not to meet the two-time All-NBA selection's financial demands.
Golden State owner Joe Lacob has already acknowledged that keeping the current group together will be difficult. Andrew Wiggins is on an expiring deal, and Jordan Poole can hit restricted free agency after the upcoming campaign. Golden State's luxury-tax bill for the 2023-24 campaign could be over $200 million if the team extends both players, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Green averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 boards, 7.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks over 46 appearances during the 2021-22 season. The Michigan State product was widely considered the front-runner for the Defensive Player of the Year award before a back injury kept him sidelined for 31 games.
