Warriors writer Monte Poole said on the radio that some Warriors didn’t care about retaining Green, who can opt out of his contract this summer. “There are a few people that are like, ‘If he opts out, so be it,'” Poole told Bay Area radio hosts “Steiny and Guru.” Was Curry one of those people? “I don’t think he is,” Poole explained.
Green was suspended for Game 3 of the Warriors’ first-round series against the Sacramento Kings, putting the team in a desperate spot, trailing 2-0. He was ejected from Game 2, the second straight playoffs where he’s been kicked out of a game for a flagrant foul.
Still, the Warriors might not let Green go if Curry still wants to play with him. Curry has won four titles, two MVPs and a Finals MVP for the Warriors. He is the biggest single reason a franchise that sold for $450 million after his rookie season is now worth an estimated $7.56 billion.
The Warriors have Curry under contract through 2026 and may feel an obligation to keep a competitive team around their franchise savior until then. Last month, Curry called the trio of Green, Klay Thompson and himself “special,” and expressed his hope that breaking up the team wouldn’t happen “anytime soon.”
Green’s unavailability might well make the team consider whether he’s worth keeping. He has a player option for 2023-24, but he’d likely require a new multiyear deal to stay. Or, the Warriors could trade Green to a destination of his choice, if he were to opt into next year’s deal.
While Green is 33 and past his prime, the Warriors defense still depends on him, often falling apart when he’s off the floor. Unfortunately, he was off the floor for the end of Game 2, and he’ll be off the floor for the entirety of Game 3.
Warriors fans are blaming the NBA for the suspension, and Green for losing his cool and stomping on Domantas Sabonis. But ultimately it depends on whether Curry blames Green. If he wants his teammate back, the Warriors might have to suspend their plans for moving on from Green.
