Draymond Green will meet with the Golden State Warriors first and won't schedule meetings with other teams unless the two sides fail to reach an agreement, reports ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. The meeting is going to take place in Los Angeles the minute free agency officially begins on July 1, according to Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears.
Draymond Green won’t schedule free agent meetings before talking to Warriors
Don’t expect Green to switch teams in free agency.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Green would likely command a maximum salary on the open market -- his versatility and defensive acumen made him a key cog in the Warriors' championship run. The Detroit Pistons are rumored to be interested in signing him, among other teams, but it's obvious Green wants to return to Golden State and is willing to give the Warriors a crack at ending his free agency quickly.
The Warriors have already stated they will match any offer Green receives in restricted free agency, so the interest is mutual. A large contract for Green, however, would put them past the luxury tax line, unless they find a way to trade David Lee while not taking much or any salary back. There have been reports that Golden State's front office is trying to unload Lee, but nothing has materialized yet. The Warriors could save a couple of million by waiting for another team to make Green an offer and then matching, but they likely won't risk alienating the emotional leader of their young squad.
Whether by agreeing on a new contract at the beginning of free agency or matching a max offer he receives, the Warriors will retain Green unless something unexpected happens. The only question that remains unanswered is when it will be made official.
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