Mike Dunleavy Jr: Draymond Green Returning ‘Very Important’ for Warriors

Without a doubt, the Warriors want to keep the band together. That means bringing back Draymond Green, who intends to exercise his player option and enter free agency, as we relayed here.

We know that the Warriors want Green back in the fold because new GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. said as much.

“Until we get the paperwork and the file, we can’t really comment or say too much,” Dunleavy told reporters. “I think I will say, (coach Steve Kerr) has said it and I will reiterate it, we really want Draymond back.

“What he means in terms of this organization and this team, winning at the highest level, we feel like we have to have him. So that’s very important.”

Green has teamed with the star backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to make six Finals appearances and win four championships. All have occurred with Kerr as coach and Bob Myers as GM.

Now, Dunleavy is the man calling the roster shots. He understands that re-signing Green is not the only challenge that awaits.

“Beyond that, yeah, I think a lot can be made of all the challenges that are coming our way, whether it be an aging roster, the new CBA with some of the limitations there, anything else you can bring up,” Dunleavy said.

“We’re aware of all those things, but we also feel like we’re in a great place because we’ve got a competitive owner willing to spend, a group that’s tied in, has good synergy, good processes, good, sound decision making. We feel confident we can navigate it.”

Green’s agent, Rich Paul, said Green intends to explore all options as a free agent.