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How Steve Kerr's return to Warriors could impact Draymond Green's future
Steve Kerr will be back, what about Draymond Green? Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

How Steve Kerr's return to Warriors could impact Draymond Green's future

The return of head coach Steve Kerr could signal the Golden State Warriors also plan to bring back forward Draymond Green. 

Kerr reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the Warriors on Saturday. After that news broke, ESPN's Anthony Slater shared how the move would affect Green's future. 

Why Draymond Green may return to Warriors next season 

Slater noted, "It would be premature to call Green's place on the Warriors safe next season." The 36-year-old forward has a $27.67M player option this offseason, which he could decline or exercise before June 29. If he rejects it, the four-time champion will become an unrestricted free agent. The Warriors may also want him to activate it so they can trade him to create more cap space.

That said, Golden State still views him as a valuable contributor after averaging 8.4 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game and 5.5 assists in 68 contests this past season. 

"In that vein, team sources have indicated that they have no intention to shop Green or push him out," wrote Slater. "On the court, they still view him as an additive winner with an elite defensive skill set that plays up when the stakes rise. Off the court, the organization felt he had a positive season as a leader, while his acumen and voice essentially make him another coach."

Green, meanwhile, seems unsure of his plans. During an episode of his podcast on April 20, he said he'd like to remain with Golden State but expressed gratitude for Kerr in case he leaves. 

"Man, if it was [his last season in Golden State], what a run it's been," Green said. "So lucky to have had Steve as my coach for 12 years. We shall see. Stay ready for whatever it is and roll with the punches."

Green, of course, made those comments before it was reported that Kerr is planning to return. That certainly increases the chances he plays a 15th season with the Warriors but doesn't make it a certainty. The team has missed the playoffs two of the past three seasons, which may convince both parties that it's time for a change. 

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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