Warriors plan to snare LeBron as star moves to decline $27M option

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The first step in Golden State Warriors master offseason plan is complete.

According to reports, forward Draymond Green is expected to decline his $27.7 million player option for the 2026–27 NBA season.

This move is expected to free up a significant amount of cap space for the Warriors, allowing them to go big-name hunting for Anthony Davis and potentially LeBron James.

Widely considered one of the most controversial players in the game due to his physicality and temperament, Green declining his player option is a move seen as a necessity.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. This move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade to form a Big 4. pic.twitter.com/jBVRe1YZ1B

In 68 games last season, Green averaged 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

While his stats aren’t worthy of a player making nearly $30 million per season, Green’s value comes from playing alongside Steph Curry as a point-forward and his tenacious defense.

Curry and Green still operate one of the NBA’s deadliest pick-and-rolls, and Green’s playmaking ability allows to thrive when teams double Curry. He’s also known as one of the league’s best defenders, and lived up to that reputation this season.

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