Three potential non-Warriors fits for Draymond Green in free agency

The Golden State Warriors could face substantial changes this offseason following the departure of president of basketball operations and general manager Bob Myers, the architect of their dynasty.

As this chapter in Warriors history draws towards its conclusion, could Draymond Green be the first marquee player to leave the team?  

Green, 33, averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists this season and has a $27.6M player option that he must decide to accept or decline by June 29. While Green might struggle to find as much on the open market, without Myers – who drafted him – in his corner, perhaps he will consider testing free agency. 

Here are three potential fits for the future Hall of Famer should he decide to leave Golden State this offseason:

Los Angeles Lakers 

Having faced off in the NBA Finals on four separate occasions, Green's respect for Lakers star LeBron James blossomed into a close friendship off the court. In 2019, Green changed his representation to Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, James' longtime friend, and has since become business partners with the NBA's all-time leading scorer. 

Despite the Lakers having nearly $30M in projected cap space this summer, money could be tight.

Los Angeles aims to extend guard Austin Reaves, who may command a $100M deal in free agency, and it is also facing a dilemma at the point guard position.

The Lakers traded for their former draft pick D'Angelo Russell midseason, and the reunion appeared promising, but a troubling playoff run may lead to hesitancy about re-signing him. Assuming Russell heads elsewhere and Los Angeles finds a cheaper point guard option, Green's all-around skills, especially his playmaking ability, could be an ideal match alongside James and Anthony Davis.

Phoenix Suns

Although Green and Kevin Durant's infamous 2018 altercation was a factor in the Phoenix star's decision to leave Golden State for Brooklyn, the two appear to be past the incident. In fact, they later blamed Myers and Warriors HC Steve Kerr for mishandling the situation rather than themselves.

When the Nets dealt Durant to the Suns at the trade deadline, Green praised the roster, saying "on paper," it was the best in the Western Conference. Of course, Phoenix lost to Denver in the second round, and a lack of depth (caused by the Durant trade) ultimately decided the series' outcome.

Phoenix likely has to shed salary to sign Green, though there is speculation that 12-time All-Star Chris Paul and former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton could be on the move. Both Paul and Ayton are set to earn over $30M next season, so even trading away one of them could open up enough funds for Green.

As someone who doesn't need the ball in his hands to contribute, Green might be a better fit with the tandem of Durant and Devin Booker than Paul and Ayton. 

New Suns owner Mat Ishbia has already pulled off surprising moves during his short time in charge. Could he have another one in store involving a fellow Michigan State alum?

Detroit Pistons

Leaving one of the most successful teams in NBA history for the franchise with the worst record in the Association this season (17-65) would be an unusual choice. Still, the Michigan native might be interested in returning home just as he was in the past, and among his potential suitors, Detroit could offer the most lucrative deal.

The Pistons have the fifth-most projected cap space in the NBA ($40.1M), which they'll spend to complement their talented young core that includes guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. 

After recently hiring former Suns HC Monty Williams to a stunning six-year, $78.5M contract, the largest coaching contract ever, Detroit may consider adding veteran leadership to its locker room. With Green's knowledge and personality, he could gel nicely with the team in a mentoring role.