The Golden State Warriors are exploring ways to keep Draymond Green beyond next season while preserving financial flexibility, but any long-term extension could require the veteran forward to accept a lower salary.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Warriors team sources indicated that their interest in a decline-and-extend contract with Green is tied to reducing his first-year salary from his current figure of roughly $27.6 million into the $20 million range. The savings would be used to improve the roster around Stephen Curry and the team’s veteran core.
Green, 36, holds a player option worth $27.6 million for the 2026-27 season. The four-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year remains one of Golden State’s most important players, but the organization is prioritizing future flexibility after an aging roster struggled during the 2025-26 season.
The Warriors finished 37-45, earning the 10th seed in the Western Conference and a place in the Play-In Tournament. Golden State went 3-7 over its final 10 games and ended the regular season outside the playoff field despite Curry averaging 26.6 points and Jimmy Butler averaging 20.0 points after joining the roster.
Green remained a major part of the rotation, appearing in 68 games and starting all 68. He averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 27.5 minutes per game while shooting 41.8% from the field and 32.6% from three-point range. His offensive role has declined, but his defensive value remained central, with Green finishing 11th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The Warriors’ reported plan reflects their attempt to balance competing timelines. Curry, now 38, is still producing at an All-NBA level, while Golden State added another veteran piece in Kristaps Porzingis before the trade deadline. Porzingis averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 15 games with the Warriors after arriving from the Atlanta Hawks.
Keeping Green on a reduced salary could create room for additional moves. Golden State reportedly has only $23.4 million in guaranteed money beyond next season, with Moses Moody ($13.4 million) and Gui Santos ($10.3 million) representing the majority of those commitments over the following two years.
Green has spent his entire NBA career with the Warriors, winning four championships and becoming a foundational piece of the franchise’s dynasty alongside Curry and Klay Thompson.
