Draymond Green Declines $27.7 Million Warriors Option as Golden State Eyes LeBron James

Q: What is the Warriors' Plan B if they fail to land both LeBron and Davis?

If Golden State misses on both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the fallback is not another all-in superstar swing so much as a lower-risk retool around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The clearest Plan B is to use the flexibility created by Green’s expected new deal to keep the roster competitive with shorter-term moves. That likely means retaining key pieces where possible, including Green and potentially Kristaps Porzingis on a reduced contract, while adding veteran help such as Al Horford, who has been tied to the Warriors on a modest two-year deal. The Warriors would also likely pivot to secondary targets rather than force a blockbuster. Reporting around their alternatives has pointed to players such as DeMar DeRozan, Trey Murphy III, Kawhi Leonard as a trade inquiry, or a scoring guard like Anfernee Simons. The common thread is adding offense, wing depth and durability without taking on the full cost of another franchise-defining trade. Just as important, Golden State appears prepared to preserve future flexibility. That includes protecting draft assets, leaning on the No. 11 pick and younger contributors, and avoiding the kind of overpay that would further squeeze them under the apron system. In practical terms, if LeBron and Davis do not materialize, the Warriors’ backup plan is a one-year competitive push with midlevel-type additions and selective trades, while keeping their books cleaner for a bigger reset or opportunity in 2027.

Q: Can the Warriors' gamble on aging superstars actually deliver another NBA title?

Probably not, at least not as a likely outcome. Draymond Green declining his $27.7 million option makes sense as a cap-management move. A lower annual salary on a new deal could give Golden State more flexibility to chase LeBron James and explore an Anthony Davis trade. On paper, a Curry-Green-LeBron-Davis core would have elite IQ, playoff experience and enough top-end talent to matter. The problem is that the path is narrow. Green is 36, Stephen Curry is 38, LeBron is 41, and Davis has a long injury history. Golden State already looked old and thin last season, finishing 37-45 and missing the playoffs after the play-in. Jimmy Butler, a key trade chip in some scenarios, is recovering from a torn ACL. Even if the Warriors land one or both stars, health and durability would be the central question over an 82-game season and four playoff rounds. The financial side is also restrictive. The Warriors are operating near the tax and apron lines, and the current CBA sharply limits roster-building tools for expensive teams. That makes it harder to add the depth, athleticism and shooting that an aging star core would need around it. There is still a plausible upside case because Curry remains elite, Green still anchors a defense, and LeBron and Davis would dramatically raise the ceiling. But the evidence points to this being more of a high-risk last swing than a realistic favorite’s blueprint. Another title is possible; it is not the probable bet.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 29

$27.7 million is the option Draymond Green reportedly turned down, sending the Warriors forward into free agency instead of locking in for next season.
ESPN reported the move could let Golden State re-sign Green on a longer deal at a lower annual salary, creating more roster flexibility.
That flexibility could be used to chase LeBron James in free agency and pursue Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis in a trade.
The strategy points to a veteran-heavy, star-driven roster built around Stephen Curry and Green if the Warriors can land additional marquee talent.