Draymond Green says his decision to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors was driven by the franchise’s unsuccessful pursuit of another star rather than a desire to negotiate a larger contract.
Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA champion explained that after opting out of his $27.7 million player option earlier this offseason, he ultimately returned to Golden State on the same one-year, $27.7 million deal once the Warriors’ plans changed.
“I pretty much resigned, not pretty much I did resign for the same amount that I opted out of,” Green said. “Obviously there was hope that we would land a guy with the mid-level slot that didn’t happen so I opted back in a sense to my deal. You know, it was kind of no other reason to not do that. So, shout out to the Dubs.”
Green’s comments align with Golden State’s offseason strategy. The veteran declined to lock in his option initially to maximize financial flexibility while the team pursued LeBron James in free agency. However, James ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, prompting Golden State to bring back one of the cornerstones of its dynasty.
The 36-year-old also addressed reports that his new contract does not include a no-trade clause. While acknowledging the Warriors could have faced resistance in negotiations, Green said he had no interest in making it a sticking point.
“It was reported that I did not receive the no trade clause, no I didn’t,” Green said. “I think it was something that we could have fought over but it wasn’t worth fighting over.”
Green added that he has never wanted to remain with a team if it no longer views him as part of its future.
“I think if the Warriors want to trade me at some point of the season, they want to trade me. I’ve never been a guy who wants to stay somewhere where I’m not wanted.”
His return ensures Golden State keeps together the veteran core built around Stephen Curry. Green is entering his 15th NBA season, all with the Warriors, after helping the franchise win four championships and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
During the 2025-26 season, Green started all 68 games he played and averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks in 27.5 minutes per game. Over 949 career regular-season appearances, he has averaged 8.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists while earning the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year award, four All-Star selections and eight All-Defensive Team honors.
The Warriors are hoping continuity will help them rebound from a disappointing 37-45 campaign that ended with a Play-In Tournament appearance after finishing 10th in the Western Conference. Injuries played a major role in that season, with Stephen Curry appearing in only 43 games and Jimmy Butler limited to 38 contests before suffering a torn ACL in January.
Golden State retained several key veterans this offseason, including Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Charles Bassey, while adding forward Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 overall pick and guard LaJae Jones in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
