Warriors Rumors: Draymond Likely to Exercise 23-24 Option

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Golden State Warriors star Draymond Inexperienced reacts throughout a playoff sport in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies.

All through the 2021-22 marketing campaign — particularly as soon as it turned clear that A) the group was fairly darn good and B) Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole had been each ascending — followers and pundits alike questioned whether or not the Golden State Warriors might truly afford to maintain their group collectively.

Thus far, although, chairman Joe Lacob has turned his nostril up at those that claimed the Warriors had been destined for some stage of teardown given their wild luxurious tax crunch. Within the final week alone, the Dubs have dedicated $232-plus million assured (with tens of millions extra in incentives) by 2026-27 to the wing duo.

Poole’s signing, specifically, was noteworthy after the backcourt wunderkind was on the receiving finish of a brutal face-punch from veteran Draymond Inexperienced. Within the wake of that incident, some questioned whether or not the membership may make a alternative between the 23-year-old and his 32-year-old counterpart.

There was additionally a risk that Inexperienced — who has a participant possibility for 2023-24 — might merely fly the coop. In line with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, although, there’s a powerful risk that Inexperienced will stay within the Bay Space past this season.

Woj Sounds Off on Draymond’s Participant Possibility

Wojnarowski made an look on ESPN’s NBA In the present day on Monday to debate the myriad tales making the rounds within the Affiliation. Nonetheless, host Malika Andrews was significantly enthusiastic about his take and/or intel on Inexperienced’s present standing with the Dubs.

His replace was music to the ears of these Dub Nation residents who’ve been hoping that the punch wouldn’t rock their group’s boat.

“For Draymond Inexperienced, with that $27.5 million possibility subsequent season, he nearly assuredly goes to train that,” Woj declared. “I’m undecided that cash, on a long-term deal, goes to be out there on {the marketplace}.

Not solely that — Woj can also be of the opinion that the edges might nonetheless prolong their partnership; bruised egos, bitter emotions and tax payments however.

“Two years left on his deal, there might be room for an extension on the finish of these two years, or a brand new deal that in all probability is south of that $27.5 million. Maybe isn’t a increase off that. But when the Warriors are profitable and Draymond continues to be a extremely productive participant and needs to be there, I don’t assume it signifies that his days are essentially numbered in Golden State.”

If Inexperienced Opts In, the Dubs’ Complete Invoice Will Be Jaw-Dropping

Woj added that Lacob “has proven a willingness to spend deeper into the luxurious tax than anybody ever has within the league” — an announcement that in all probability doesn’t go far sufficient in describing the state of affairs. With Wiggins and Poole already locked in at premium charges, Inexperienced opting in would ship Golden State’s complete wage and tax invoice into the stratosphere.

Right here’s the breakdown, per ESPN’s entrance workplace guru and former league exec Bobby Marks:

“Golden St. payroll and tax penalty in 2023/24 will doubtless exceed $500M as soon as the roster is stuffed,” tweeted Marks. That elements in Draymond Inexperienced opting-in to his $27.6M participant possibility… With 12 gamers — Wage: $215M, Tax: $268M, Complete: $483M.”

Wowzers.