Draymond Green declined his $27.6 million player option on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, signaling that the Golden State Warriors are preparing for major roster moves. According to ESPN, the Warriors need financial flexibility to pursue free agent LeBron James and complete a trade for Anthony Davis from the Washington Wizards.
Green Willing to Take Pay Cut
Green has previously stated he is willing to sign a new contract at a lower salary if it allows the Warriors to acquire key pieces. This move would give the team a significant chance to contend for the NBA championship next season.
LeBron James Also Ready to Take Less
Reports indicate that James is willing to accept a lower salary to join the Warriors from the Los Angeles Lakers. His two-year, $101 million contract with the Lakers expired after last season. If he stayed with the Lakers, he could sign a contract at a similar salary, which would be difficult for the Warriors to match. However, at this point, financial considerations are no longer paramount for James; winning another championship before retirement is his priority. According to Forbes, James has a net worth of $1.4 billion.
Reunion with Davis and Green
James is also motivated to reunite with Davis and to play alongside Green, known for his defensive prowess. Davis and Green are both close friends of James. James and Stephen Curry have also grown close over the past few years.
Potential Super Quartet
If the quartet of Curry, Green, James, and Davis forms in Golden State, they could easily play together since they occupy different positions. Their combined accolades include 13 championships and 28 All-Star selections. While the average age of this group is 37, they still have enough firepower to compete against younger teams.
