Before Mike Dunleavy Jr. could be introduced as the Warriors' next general manager on Monday, reports came out that the future of one of the organization's stars was officially up in the air.
According to multiple reports, Draymond Green will opt out of the final year of his contract worth $27.5 million to test the free agent waters.
And although Dunleavy said Monday that he couldn't comment directly on Green opting out because the necessary paperwork hadn't been filed yet, he made it clear that the organization wants Green back.
"I will say, I think Steve [Kerr] has said it - I'll reiterate - We really want Draymond back. What he means to this organization and this team, in terms of trying to win at the highest level. We feel like we have to have him," Dunleavy said.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob was asked what Green has meant to the team in his 11 years in the Bay Area and what he can mean to the organization going forward as the 33-year-old's career winds down.
"Look, he's been a spectacular player for us. We wouldn't have these championships without his involvement. No question. Everyone understands that in this room. He's meant a lot to this franchise. He's a bit of a controversial player ... and he knows that. We know that. But the good overwhelms the bad, is what I would say. He probably needs to improve, just like we all do, and get better at certain things. … He's meant a lot, and I think if he does come back, that he'll be very important to our success going forward in the next few years," Lacob said.
Dunleavy has a big job in front of him this offseason, as there are several other players who could be on their way out. Donte DiVincenzo is also expected to decline his player option in the coming days, and the trade winds are swirling around Jordan Poole and Johnathan Kuminga. But he believes his job reconfiguring the roster starts with getting Green back into the fold.
"First and foremost, to get Draymond back would be huge. ... From there, we would love to make some improvements. Can we add some shooting? Can we add some more versatility? Can we add some connectivity? Whether that’s ball handling, passing, or veteran experience," Dunleavy said. "We talked to the coaching staff and our players, and we have a good sense of what we want to do. Fortunately, it's nothing drastic, but if there are some things we can do around the margins and make a move here or there, then we're going to be open to it."
Green's decision to decline his player option isn't surprising. Still, the 33-year-old has openly said he wants to return to the only franchise he's ever been a part of and planned to negotiate a multi-year extension this offseason.
Green's agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, released a statement to ESPN confirming the reports that his client was opting out of his contact.
"We will continue to talk to Golden State and explore all options," Paul said. It was expected Green would opt-out and now he can talk with Warriors, explore sign-and-trades and free agency."
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