Extension uncertain, but Warriors expect Draymond Green back

The Warriors appear to know one thing about Draymond Green‘s future: They expect him back next season.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the current belief inside the organization is that Green will pick up his $27.6 million player option and return for a 15th season in Golden State.

What happens after that is a little less clear.

The Warriors and Green have previously discussed the possibility of a decline-and-extend arrangement that would lower his cap number and create additional flexibility elsewhere on the roster. But team sources told Slater that Golden State continues to place a premium on maintaining future financial flexibility.

In other words, an extension doesn’t appear imminent.

That doesn’t mean either side is looking for a separation. Far from it.

Per Slater, the Warriors still hope Green finishes his career with the franchise, and there remains mutual interest in making that happen.

Should Green pick up the option, he would be entering the final year of his contract. That could theoretically make him a useful salary-matching piece in a future trade, though the Warriors have given no indication they are looking to move him.

In fact, team officials reportedly appreciated the way Green handled trade speculation last season.

So while plenty of questions surround Golden State’s offseason, the expectation remains that Green will be part of the picture. At least for one more year.